Aircraft

Oneworld member American Airlines intends to upgrade 18 domestic Boeing 757-200s and transfer them to transatlantic service, mirroring a strategy in play at other US majors.

During an earnings conference call yesterday, American CFO Tom Horton said the 757s will offer two classes of service, but that the new coach cabin will be smaller than the existing layout.

The aircraft will be deployed "across the Atlantic into some of the thinner markets in Europe", says Horton, adding that most will fly out of New York JFK.

Some services from Miami to northern-rim South America may also be operated with the type.

American has not yet announced which specific international markets will be served by 757s, but management says the reconfigured aircraft will probably be used on both existing and new routes.

According to Flight's ACAS database, American has 124 757s in active service.

Continental Airlines, Delta Air Lines and US Airways use 757s to operate some transatlantic services. Two years ago Delta began leasing ex-American 757s to support the SkyTeam member's expansion from JFK.