Quantcast

American Airlines conducts empty A321neo transatlantic flights for pilot training

Air India Warned Over Crew Fatigue and Training Failures Following Fatal Crash
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy may deny flights from Mexico over broken aviation agreement
Plane Makes Emergency Landing After ‘Unruly’ Passenger Attempts to Open Exit Door Mid-Flight
American Airlines Launches Ultra‑Long‑Haul DFW–Manila Flights
Thousands of flights canceled or delayed across America's busiest airports
Emirates operates with SAF at London Heathrow Airport
British Airways Introduces Brunch Service on Long-Haul Flights
AirAsia FREE SEATS is BACK! - Book Cheap Flight now!
FAA Investigating After JetBlue Plane Skids Off Runway
Virgin Atlantic Offers Family-Friendly Holiday Packages
The Billion-Dollar Outlier That's Rescuing San Francisco Tourism
New Heathrow Security Rule Makes Packing Bags Easier for Travelers
Alaska Airlines Adding More Boeing 787 to Boost Seattle Hub
Ryanair cancels 170 flights, disrupts over 30,000 passengers on French ATC strike
What to Know About Travel to Europe During This Record-Breaking Heatwave
Airport Workers Save the Day After Woman Loses Diamond from Her Engagement Ring in Baggage Carousel
I never talk to strangers on the plane. After my dad died, a passenger helped me talk about my grief.
American Airlines reveals new summer route: Miami → Rome
Budget UK airline launches huge sale with £29 flights to 475 holiday hotspots – but you’ll have to be quick
Delta Passengers Can Book a ‘Last Mile’ Private Jet Charter to Europe This Summer
Honeywell Runway Safety Technology Selected by Southwest Airlines for Fleetwide Installation
Southwest Airlines Adds Cockpit Alerts to Boost Runway Safety
FAA Drone Detection Testing
This Airline Is Going to Start Handing Out $675 Fines to 'Unruly' Passengers: 'It Is Unacceptable'
Summer of savings? New analysis shows airfare has dropped significantly - The Points Guy
FAA Admits Uncertainty On Drone Numbers In U.S. Airspace, Raising Safety Concerns
Travelers are taking extreme measures and using hacks to avoid airline baggage fees
Pigeons Cause Chaos on Delta Flight
United Airlines’ Uniforms Get A Facelift—And A Political Filter
United Continues to Face Catering Chaos at San Francisco
American Airlines conducts empty A321neo transatlantic flights for pilot training
Policy
Webp 3
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.

Get the Newsletter
Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News
By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

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.

Organizations Included in this History
More News

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has announced that its Wings of Change Europe (WOCE) event will take place at the Steigenberger Icon Wiltcher's Hotel in Brussels.

Oct 23, 2025

Delta Air Lines has announced a new partnership with Crunchyroll, the global anime streaming platform, to bring a curated selection of anime content to its flights.

Oct 23, 2025

Delta Air Lines has been recognized as one of the 2025 Fortune Best Workplaces for Women, marking its return to the list since 2019.

Oct 23, 2025

Delta Air Lines marked its 100th anniversary by serving as the official airline of the 60th Head of the Charles Regatta (HOCR) in Boston.

Oct 23, 2025

American Airlines has announced that it will upgrade its Boeing 777-200ER aircraft with new Flagship Suites, the airline's latest business-class product.

Oct 23, 2025

Delta Air Lines will introduce a new in-flight dining partnership with Chef José Andrés, bringing Spanish-inspired cuisine to select cabins starting November 4.

Oct 23, 2025