American Airlines launched its latest livery for one of its Airbus A321 flights yesterday. With this unique uniform, the Fort Worth-based airline has paid honour to Medal of Honor recipients.
The A321 was covered in the new Flagship Valor livery by the airline's Tech Ops crew in Tulsa. The reveal took place today, ahead of the National Medal of Honor Museum's groundbreaking ceremony in Arlington, Texas. Before its spectacular introduction yesterday night, the Airbus narrowbody had left Tulsa on March 22nd and landed in Fort Worth.
The livery complements the existing patriotic US flag-inspired tail of American Airlines. Along with the title Medal of Honor, three medal variations are presented horizontally. All in all, the new look is not too distracting from the old AA concept.
In a statement, American Airlines said the following about the plane's livery: “On the body of this Airbus A321 aircraft, are the words: Courage. Sacrifice. Integrity. Commitment. Patriotism. Citizenship. Those are the six values embodied in the Medal of Honor and those who have received it. The silhouettes symbolize the seven major military conflicts that have occurred since the medal was created by Abraham Lincoln in 1861. Inside the aircraft, customers will be able to scan QR codes for access to information about the Medal of Honor and its extraordinary recipients, to ensure we are able to pass on these remarkable stories for generations to come”
The A321-200 with registration N167AN received a fresh coating applied this week. On July 29th, 2016, the unit flew for the first time, and on August 10th of that year, it was handed to AA. Since its inception, the plane has logged over 16,200 flying hours and over 6,300 flight cycles, according to ch-aviation. It has a total capacity of 181 seats, including 129 economy, 36 premium economy, and 16 business class seats.
The Medal of Honor is the highest prestigious military honour in the United States. The award has been given to military and service members from all around the country. The Navy Department was the first to develop the medal in 1861, followed by the Army in 1862. It was also formed by the Air Force in 1965. The president presents the medal on behalf of the US Congress.
