American Airlines is adjusting its winter schedule at London Heathrow, reducing flights from Los Angeles to the lowest level seen in recent winters and limiting Phoenix operations to summer months. The airline will also introduce a temporary route between Heathrow and Las Vegas for the Consumer Electronics Show. This shift results in an average of 19 daily departures from Heathrow this winter, down from the anticipated 21, aligning with last winter's levels.
The changes are attributed to several factors including reduced winter leisure demand, overcapacity on the London-Los Angeles route, high travel costs for Europeans visiting the US, and potential retrofitting of aircraft like the 777-300ERs. Despite these reductions, American remains the leading foreign long-haul operator at Heathrow. However, details about slot management remain undisclosed.
Los Angeles-Heathrow service will now offer one to two daily flights instead of two or three. This adjustment returns it to pre-pandemic winter levels. The reduction may allow aircraft redeployment to more profitable routes, potentially in the Southern Hemisphere.