Today, American Airlines will debut the inaugural arrival of the new Embraer E-175 aircraft at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport. The new jet is the result of a 12-year capacity purchase agreement between American Airlines and Republic Airways Holdings to provide large regional jet flying for the first time in American’s history. Through the agreement, Republic Airways is acquiring 53 Embraer E-175 jets featuring a two-class cabin with 12 First Class seats and 64 seats in the Main Cabin. The aircraft, which will be branded with the newly revealed American Eagle livery will be operated by the Republic Airlines subsidiary of Republic Airways Holdings, a long-time partner of American Airlines and the largest operator of large Embraer jets. The new jet aircraft will replace the Bombardier CRJ-700 on the established route from Chicago O’Hare International Airport that arrives daily in New Orleans at 10:50 a.m. The CRJ-700 was the newest member of the American Eagle fleet and the first to feature a first class cabin. The new Embraer jet will increase the New Orleans service by 252 incremental seats per week.
Chuck Schubert, American’s Vice President – Network Planning said “This (purchase) is a significant milestone in our company’s history. Establishing a large regional jet fleet has long been part of our business plan.”
“We are honored to be selected as one of the key markets in the nation to feature this new aircraft”, said Mayor Mitch Landrieu.
New Orleans Aviation Board Chairwoman Cheryl Teamer said, “We are very pleased to host the new aircraft to match market demand”.
“American Airlines has always been a valuable partner with Armstrong International Airport. The placement of their new aircraft with the additional seats is a sign of their confidence in our city and region,” said Director of Aviation Iftikhar Ahmad.
