On 23 July 2013, American Airlines took possession of the first Airbus A319 with sharklets, this being the first Airbus aircraft in the fleet. The delivery ceremony took place at the Airbus base in Hamburg, Germany. American Airlines controls 260 Airbus aircraft from the A320 family.
Airbus A319 American Airlines can carry up to 128 passengers, in a two-class configuration. The aircraft will be used on domestic routes and will fly to Central America in the fall. The aircraft is powered by two CFM56 engines. On board, passengers will enjoy the comfort of leather seats, Wi-Fi, sockets and USB ports on each seat.
But the premieres do not stop here. Airbus A319 American Airlines is the first equipped with sharklets, lightweight devices installed at the ends of the wings, which are designed to save fuel up to 4%, to increase flight time or increase transport capacity.
Also, Airbus A319 American Airlines is the 100 aircraft of the A320 family equipped with sharklets. Sharklet tips are optional on A320 family aircraft and will be standard on A320neo aircraft.