EDINBURGH- American Airlines (AA) is operating 20 round-trip flights between Philadelphia (PHL) and Edinburgh (EDI) this month without passengers or cargo. The unusual move involves an Airbus A321neo flying daily across the Atlantic purely for training purposes.
These flights, scheduled from September 4 to September 24, 2025, are designed to prepare check airmen ahead of the introduction of the Airbus A321XLR into the airline’s international network. The investment reflects American’s (AA) focus on ensuring its pilots are certified for transatlantic operations.
Photo: Cado PhotoAmerican Airlines A321neo Pilots
American typically flies a Boeing 787 on its seasonal Philadelphia (PHL)–Edinburgh (EDI) route, but for this training exercise, the airline has scheduled an Airbus A321neo with no paying passengers, JonNYC reported.
The aircraft, a brand-new A321neo registered as N471AN, is operating the following daily schedule:
- AA9805 Philadelphia (PHL) – Edinburgh (EDI): Departs 8:40 PM, arrives 8:30 AM (+1 day)
- AA9806 Edinburgh (EDI) – Philadelphia (PHL): Departs 9:30 AM, arrives 12:00 PM
The reason is tied to the Airbus A321XLR, a longer-range version of the A321neo. American Airlines (AA) will use the A321XLR for transatlantic flights in the coming years. Since these flights involve international airspace, North Atlantic Tracks, and additional regulatory requirements, pilots must undergo specific training, OMAAT flagged.
Photo: Tobias GudatRole of Check Airmen in Pilot Certification
Check airmen are senior pilots certified to train and evaluate other pilots. To prepare for the A321XLR’s entry into service, American needs these check airmen qualified on transatlantic operations in Airbus narrow-body aircraft.
Once certified, they can train other pilots, creating a multiplier effect that ensures the airline has enough qualified crew for upcoming routes.
Typically, this training would occur during normal scheduled flights. However, since American has no current Airbus narrow-body transatlantic service, the airline must operate dedicated flights.
The Philadelphia–Edinburgh sector was selected because it is one of the shortest viable transatlantic routes, with manageable air traffic and airport operations.
Cost and Scale of the Training Flights
Operating 20 round-trip flights with no revenue passengers or cargo is a significant investment. Across 40 transatlantic sectors, the A321neo will cover roughly 134,000 miles. Factoring in fuel, depreciation, and crew costs, the expense will likely exceed a million dollars.
Despite the cost, the flights highlight the complexity of running a global airline. Classroom sessions and simulators cannot fully replicate real-world transatlantic flying, especially when it comes to managing oceanic clearances, interacting with multiple air traffic control authorities, and navigating the procedural requirements of international operations.
Photo: Tobias GudatPreparing for A321XLR Service at New York JFK
The timing of these flights aligns with American’s plan to launch an international pilot base for the Airbus A321XLR at New York John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK).
Once operational, the base will support new transatlantic routes flown with the aircraft, offering greater efficiency on medium-sized markets where a widebody jet is not required.
By training check airmen now, American ensures a smooth entry into service for the A321XLR, reducing the risk of delays when the aircraft begins regular passenger operations.
Bottom Line
American Airlines (AA) is conducting 20 empty round-trip flights between Philadelphia (PHL) and Edinburgh (EDI) with an Airbus A321neo. These flights are solely for check airman training, a crucial step ahead of introducing the Airbus A321XLR to transatlantic routes.
The exercise underscores the challenges of pilot certification, the high costs of airline operations, and the strategic importance of preparing crews for new aircraft types well before they enter service.
Stay tuned with us. Further, follow us on social media for the latest updates.
Join us on Telegram Group for the Latest Aviation Updates. Subsequently, follow us on Google News
American Airlines Sent Wrong Plane to Rome, Flight Cancelled
The post American Airlines Pilots Operating 20 Empty A321neo Transatlantic Flights appeared first on Aviation A2Z.
