AA Jumps Into NE Shuttle Battle

American Airlines, through its regional affiliate American Eagle, is taking aim at existing Northeast shuttle products offered by Delta Air Lines and US Airways. In the months ahead, Eagle will ramp up a new brand, Business Express, offering 10 roundtrip flights between New York LaGuardia and both Boston Logan and Reagan Washington National aboard regional jets. Eagle's existing Boston-Washington service also will be included in Business Express operations.

"These markets have been served by two competitors for years," said Tom Gleason, vice president of passenger sales for AA's eastern division. "New York customers are ready for a new choice."

AA already provides some frequencies in the Northeast corridor, including service from multiple New York airports, but Business Express becomes AA's de facto shuttle in direct competition with longtime incumbents Delta Shuttle and US Airways Shuttle, as well as Amtrak Acela (BTN, June 3).

Separately, AA earlier this week announced new service between Chicago Midway and New York LaGuardia. Three daily frequencies, which will begin Sept. 4 and complement existing service between New York and AA's Chicago O'Hare hub, will compete directly against low-cost carrier American Trans Air.