American Airlines announces new route from New York to Athens

American Airlines announced new routes for next year's summer season, including from New York to Athens.

In a bid to come back from Covid-19 stronger, JetBlue Airways and American Airlines have joined forces to offer their respective customers new and expanded routes, more choice and value.

American Airlines will launch international service from New York (JFK) to Tel Aviv (TLV) and to Athens (ATH) in summer 2021.

“Upon the implementation of the alliance agreement, American intends to launch service between JFK and TLV and will introduce new seasonal service between JFK and ATH next summer, to meet the strong local demand. The new nonstop service to TLV and ATH from JFK will be the first long-haul international flights that American has launched from New York in more than four years,” the announcement said.

In a statement announcing the partnership, Joanna Geraghty, President and Chief Operating Officer at JetBlue stated:  “Pairing JetBlue’s domestic network with American’s international route map creates a new competitive choice in the Northeast, where customers are longing for an alternative to the dominant network carriers. This partnership with American is the next step in our plan to accelerate our coronavirus recovery, get our crew members and our aircraft flying again, and fuel JetBlue’s growth into the future.”

On his part, the President of American Airlines Robert Isom said: "This is an incredible opportunity for both of our airlines. American has a strong history in the Northeast, and we’re proud to partner with JetBlue as the latest chapter in that long history. Together, we can offer customers an industry-leading product in New York and Boston with more flights and more seats to more cities.”

JetBlue and American will also begin a new codeshare relationship, giving customers seamless access to more destinations, including international service. The codeshare will introduce JetBlue customers to more than 60 new routes operated by American and will introduce American’s customers to more than 130 new routes operated by JetBlue.

“Leisure travel is important to our customers, and JetBlue’s network paired with their award-winning service, are the perfect fit. Both airlines’ customers value access to more destinations, whether it’s a JetBlue customer who wants more direct access to South America from New York, or an American customer who wants more robust service to Florida. Together, we can give our customers the best of both worlds," said Vasu Raja, Chief Revenue Officer at American Airlines.