American Airlines Announces Route to Athens from New York in 2021

American Airlines is planning to launch more international routes out of New York JFK to destinations including Athens in 2021, following a new alliance the carrier launched with JetBlue.

According to a joint announcement, the new alliance was formed to create seamless connectivity for travelers in the Northeast and more choice for customers across their complementary domestic and international networks. In addition, the relationship will aim to accelerate each airline’s recovery as the travel industry adapts to new trends as a result of the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic.

The American Airlines-JetBlue partnership is expected to enable new strategic growth opportunities for both airlines. As a result, American said it 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 announcement said. The new nonstop service to Tel Aviv and Athens from JFK will be the first long-haul international flights that American has launched from New York in more than four years.

Moreover, American’s New York JFK to Rio De Janeiro will return as a daily seasonal route in winter 2021, in addition to continuing to serve popular long-haul destinations like London and Madrid.

“Once the coronavirus pandemic has ended, the new partnership is certain to facilitate American adding new long-haul markets in Europe, Africa, India, and South America,” the announcement said.

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.

According to the announcement, the implementation of the American Airlines-JetBlue alliance agreement and other arrangements is subject to governmental review.