October 2020: A330s permanently retired
Oct 22, 2020, 7:05 am
#1
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October 2020: A330s permanently retired
https://news.aa.com/news/news-detail...0/default.aspx
One less chance for a domestic widebody/flatbed. 
Removed more than 150 aircraft from its fleet through early retirements or by placing aircraft into temporary storage. In addition to the previously announced retirements of the Boeing 757, Boeing 767, Embraer E190, Airbus A330-300, Bombardier CRJ-200 and certain other regional aircraft, the company recently decided to permanently retire all 15 of its Airbus A330-200 aircraft.
Oct 22, 2020, 9:16 am
#3
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Interesting decision, I am not sure what Doug Parker is trying to do.
Probably AA isn't seeing hope on the recovery of transatlantic flights until 2023 when they would receive their first A321XLR's.
Probably AA isn't seeing hope on the recovery of transatlantic flights until 2023 when they would receive their first A321XLR's.
Oct 22, 2020, 10:09 am
#6
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Wow this is really a shame.
As a former US Airways flyer, I flew on the A330s many times between PHL/CLT and Europe. US Airways was among the first airlines in the world to have lie-flat/all-aisle access in business class with their A330 Envoy Suites. I remember the first time I was lucky enough to sit in one (it was kind of like roulette when Envoy service first rolled out). Compared with the B767s that they replaced, these aircraft were a huge improvement! Even in coach, it wasn't a bad ride, and it was one of the first times I recall that nearly every seat had access to IFE and power.
As a former US Airways flyer, I flew on the A330s many times between PHL/CLT and Europe. US Airways was among the first airlines in the world to have lie-flat/all-aisle access in business class with their A330 Envoy Suites. I remember the first time I was lucky enough to sit in one (it was kind of like roulette when Envoy service first rolled out). Compared with the B767s that they replaced, these aircraft were a huge improvement! Even in coach, it wasn't a bad ride, and it was one of the first times I recall that nearly every seat had access to IFE and power.
Oct 22, 2020, 11:04 am
#7
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I’m going to miss these going back a decade to my US Air roots. I’ve flown them several times a year out of PHL in both J and Y and they were a decent ride in both cabins. The US Airways J cabin reverse herringbone seats were probably the first of their kind and truly revolutionary at the time and I still prefer them to most other configurations that have come since with a few exceptions. It’s a sad day and I hope this move doesn’t portend a gloomy outlook for a very prolonged return to the capacity we were seeing a year ago,
Oct 22, 2020, 11:08 am
#8
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I will miss those J seats, if only because they were so revolutionary for the time, and the Y seats because they had plenty of width, legroom, and plenty of seat pairs when flying with your Significant Other/Spouse on what would likely be a full flight.
Will not miss the slow-as-molasses IFE screens and the resulting finger stabs into the back of my seat from people thinking you just had to press it hard.
Will not miss the slow-as-molasses IFE screens and the resulting finger stabs into the back of my seat from people thinking you just had to press it hard.
Oct 22, 2020, 11:20 am
#9
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After the 777s were densified with ten-across Y, the 332 was far and away the most comfortable long-haul aircraft in the fleet. Nice flat bed in J with no "rocking" or backward facing seats, and reasonably roomy Y seat if your upgrade didn't clear.
Oct 22, 2020, 11:32 am
#10
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Like others, I have fond memories of these planes from the time they arrived on property for US Airways. I enjoyed them in both cabins (and later in Premium Economy) for countless transatlantic crossings.
I have no empirical evidence, but I believe they provide a quieter ride than the 777s and, for the reasons already mentioned, were far superior in coach. Really sad to see them leaving the fleet at such a young age.
I have no empirical evidence, but I believe they provide a quieter ride than the 777s and, for the reasons already mentioned, were far superior in coach. Really sad to see them leaving the fleet at such a young age.
Oct 22, 2020, 11:46 am
#11
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AA FA once told me that many FAs at AA like 787 and 777 over A330, because 787 and 777 have secluded crew rest area with flat beds where A330 FAs are provided with blocked seats in Y cabin.
Oct 22, 2020, 12:02 pm
#12
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15 a332s are a needless subfleet. Same reason DL is axing their 777 fleet.
Oct 22, 2020, 12:12 pm
#13
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I remember flying FRA-PHL once and was seated in a mid-cabin bulkhead. There were exit row seats on the sides, but after takeoff, the FAs pulled curtains around those seats to make their, "crew rest," area. Thankfully it wasn't a very full flight and I had several seats to myself, as did most others on the aircraft. I can imagine that would look a bit customer un-friendly on a full flight.
Oct 22, 2020, 1:18 pm
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https://news.aa.com/news/news-detail...0/default.aspx
One less chance for a domestic widebody/flatbed.
One less chance for a domestic widebody/flatbed.
Oct 22, 2020, 1:37 pm
#15
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