Because that is where AA sees the growth, future market, and is less costly to service. AA wants to fly regional jets and narrow bodies as much as they can; in line with their recent order and presentation.

They slowed down delivery of their wide body order; consistent with not wanting to expand wide body routes anytime soon.

My analysis is that those international routes probably weren’t generating the margins that they wanted, and the smallest to medium sized US markets is where the money is at; in AA’s predictions.