American 'studying' Amazon plans for Washington growth

American Airlines is closely "studying" online retailer Amazon's plans to open a second headquarters steps away from its hub at Ronald Reagan Washington National, where it is already planning to add seats at the slot-controlled facility. "We absolutely plan to up-gauge at DCA," the carrier's VP of network Vasu Raja said. American is "studying" Amazon's decision to establish a new second headquarters in the Crystal City neighbourhood of Arlington, Virginia, adjacent to National airport, he says, adding that they are looking at how it will impact growth plans "very closely". Extensive air service links, both domestic and international, were among the key criteria for Amazon in selecting the locations. American has significant opportunity to up-gauge flights, or shift them to larger aircraft, at Washington National. <br/>