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American Airlines conducts empty A321neo transatlantic flights for pilot training

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American Airlines conducts empty A321neo transatlantic flights for pilot training
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Robert D. Isom, CEO and President | American Airlines

American Airlines has been operating an unusual series of flights between Philadelphia International Airport and Edinburgh Airport this month, using an Airbus A321neo that is typically configured for domestic service. These flights have not carried passengers or cargo; instead, they serve as crew training missions.

Paulina Wykurz, an American Airlines Supervisor at Edinburgh Airport, stated on LinkedIn: "This is a special charter flight. The purpose of this flight is to allow the pilots to complete their certified training on the aircraft type. We’re lucky enough to host our second aircraft here in Edinburgh."

According to data from Flightradar24, the first of these flights took place on August 4. The aircraft involved, registered as N471AN, departed Philadelphia at 21:26 and arrived in Edinburgh at 08:30 the following morning. The eastbound training flights are designated AA9805, while the westbound return legs are labeled AA9806.

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These flights are part of a broader initiative by American Airlines to train Check Airmen who will then certify other pilots on this aircraft type. This training effort is linked to plans for opening an Airbus A321XLR base at New York JFK Airport, where over 40 pilots are expected to operate transatlantic routes with the new long-range narrowbody jets.

While these A321neo training operations are ongoing, American Airlines continues its regular scheduled passenger service between Philadelphia and Edinburgh using Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft. In 2025, most transatlantic flights on this route use the smaller Boeing 787-8 model, with some operated by the larger 787-9 variant. The daily passenger services resumed in May and have contributed to record seat capacity between Scotland and North America this year.

Per aviation analytics firm Cirium, scheduled passenger flights from Philadelphia to Edinburgh (AA278) depart at 19:20 and arrive at 07:10 local time. The return flight (AA279) departs Edinburgh at 11:35 and arrives back in Philadelphia at 13:55.

American Airlines is a full-service carrier founded in 1926 and is a member of the oneworld alliance. Its CEO is Robert Isom.

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