From US Airways to American Airlines: The Widebody Legacy of N275AY

Before it became N275AY in the American Airlines fleet, this Airbus A330-300 carried passengers across the globe under the US Airways banner. Today, it's remembered not only for the journeys it made, but for the transformation it witnessed in U.S. aviation history. MotoArt is proud to honor this aircraft's legacy with the release of PlaneTags made from its authentic fuselage skin. 

US Airways and the Airbus A330

In the early 2000s, US Airways began building a long-haul network around the Airbus A330 widebody. Among its fleet was MSN 370, which was delivered in December 2000 as N675US. Based at key hubs like Philadelphia and Charlotte, the A330-300 connected the East Coast to destinations in Europe and South America.

N275AY US Airways Airbus A330-323X (cn 370) flickr photo by TDelCoro shared under a Creative Commons (BY-SA) license

Unlike many U.S. carriers that favored Boeing aircraft for international service, US Airways strategically chose Airbus. The A330 offered several key advantages: better fuel efficiency, lower operating costs, and commonality with the airline’s narrowbody Airbus fleet, which reduced pilot training and maintenance expenses. It also replaced aging aircraft like the Boeing 767, modernizing US Airways’ long-haul operations.

With improved range, increased cargo capacity, and greater passenger comfort, the A330 allowed US Airways to expand its transatlantic service and remain competitive on high-demand routes. N675US played a central role in that effort, serving for nearly two decades and helping shape the airline’s global strategy.

What Made the A330 Special?

The Airbus A330-300 is a long-range, twin-aisle, widebody aircraft developed as part of the A330/A340 family. Known for its versatility and efficiency, the A330-300 was a favorite among airlines for medium to long-haul routes. It could carry over 250 passengers in a typical three-class configuration and offered a range of approximately 7,250 nautical miles.

N275AY flickr photo by Alec BHX/KKC shared under a Creative Commons (BY-SA) license

One of the A330’s greatest strengths was its fuel efficiency, especially compared to older four-engine aircraft. The A330-300 also featured a spacious cabin, modern avionics, and improved aerodynamics. For airlines like US Airways, it provided a cost-effective way to expand transatlantic service without sacrificing comfort or cargo capacity.

Its commonality with other Airbus aircraft, like the A320 family, meant lower maintenance and pilot training costs, allowing airlines to streamline operations and improve profitability.

Airbus A330 At A Glance

A330 Characteristics:

• Manufacturer: Airbus

• Type: A330-323X

• Tail #: N275AY

• Crew: 14 (2 Pilots, 12 Flight Attendants)

• Passengers: 291 (28 Business Class, 16 Main Cabin Extra, 247 Economy)

• Wing Span: 197 ft 10 in

• Length: 208 ft 10 in

• Height: 55 ft 10 in

A330 Performance:

• Range: 6,200 mi

• Cruise Speed: 541 mph

• Max Takeoff: 513,600 lb

• Empty Operating Weight: 278,000 lb

• Ceiling: 41,000 ft

• Rate of Climb: 3,000 ft / min

• Engines: 2x Pratt & Whitney PW4168A

Merger and Rebirth: Joining American Airlines

The US Airways–American Airlines merger, officially announced in 2013, came at a time of sweeping transformation in the airline industry. The merger was seen as a pivotal move to create the world’s largest airline. American joined forces with US Airways to regain competitive footing and expand its global network.

This merger was more than a business deal. It was a realignment of two distinct airline identities. American Airlines brought its long-standing legacy and global brand recognition, while US Airways contributed a strong East Coast presence and a modernized Airbus fleet, including its A330s.

US Airways Airbus 330-300 landing at FRA (N675US) flickr photo by wilco737 shared under a Creative Commons (BY-NC-SA) license

As part of the transition, aircraft like N275AY were gradually repainted under the American Airlines banner. While the livery changed, the aircraft’s operational role remained largely the same, continuing long-haul routes from hubs such as Philadelphia. These A330s quietly but reliably supported the expanded American Airlines network during the early years of the merger.

To passengers and crew, there were still subtle reminders of the plane’s origin - its configuration, layout, and even flight numbers sometimes retained US Airways traits. The A330s stood as physical markers of the merger’s integration phase, serving as flying bridges between two airline legacies.

Timeline of the Merger

• February 2013: Merger with US Airways announced.

• December 2013: Merger finalized, forming the world’s largest airline.

• 2014–2016: Gradual fleet integration begins; aircraft like N275AY are rebranded as American Airlines.

• 2016: American Airlines retires the last of its MD-80s and begins modernizing with 787s, impacting the long-term future of A330s.

• 2020: American retires its A330 fleet, including N275AY.
  
  

Branding Changes

The merger introduced a new American Airlines logo and livery, replacing the classic AA eagle with a streamlined red, white, and blue “Flight Symbol.” This modernized look was unveiled in early 2013 and gradually applied across the combined fleet. Aircraft like N275AY transitioned from the dark blue and red of US Airways to American’s polished silver and blue, a visual representation of the evolving identity of the world’s largest airline.

US Airways A330-323, N275AY, MSN 370 (12/2000), as US 705 Frankfurt (FRA) - Charlotte (CLT), Flight time: 8:28 flickr photo by usf1fan2 shared under a Creative Commons (BY) license

The End of an Era

By 2020, American Airlines made the decision to retire its entire A330 fleet. The move came as part of a broader fleet simplification strategy, which was accelerated by the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. The airline sought to streamline operations and reduce maintenance costs by focusing on fewer aircraft types, particularly those offering better fuel efficiency and lower emissions.

Photo Credit: Charlesworth Aerospace

The Boeing 787 Dreamliner emerged as the primary replacement for the A330 in American’s fleet. With its advanced composite structure, greater range, and improved fuel economy, the 787 was well-suited to take over long-haul international routes once flown by the A330s. The 777 also remained in American's lineup for higher-capacity international flights, complementing the newer Dreamliners and creating a more unified widebody fleet.

N275AY was withdrawn from service and eventually acquired by MotoArt, ensuring that this aircraft’s story wouldn’t be forgotten.

MotoArt Finds an A330

After its retirement, N275AY was flown to Roswell, New Mexico, a desert airfield well known as a storage and teardown site for decommissioned commercial aircraft. There, this A330 joined a growing number of widebodies that had been parked amid industry-wide cutbacks and shifting fleet strategies. MotoArt tracked the aircraft to Roswell and recognized the significance of preserving its history.

"When we saw N275AY sitting in Roswell, we knew we had a rare opportunity to honor both US Airways and American Airlines," said MotoArt PlaneTags CEO Dave Hall. "This wasn’t just another A330. It was a jet that represented the merging of two airline legacies. It carried thousands of passengers, wore two iconic liveries, and now it has one more chapter as PlaneTags."

The team carefully removed sections of the fuselage skin from the aircraft back at the MotoArt PlaneTags shop in Torrance, California. Each piece was cleaned, cut, and transformed into a tangible reminder of the A330’s legacy, and the widebody chapter of American’s fleet that has now closed.

American Airlines A330 PlaneTags: Preserving N275AY 

MotoArt has transformed the skin of N275AY into a limited-edition series of PlaneTags. Each tag is a tangible piece of a widebody jet that spanned two iconic airline identities and played a vital role in connecting travelers across continents.

These PlaneTags offer more than just a collectible. They represent a legacy. From the bold transatlantic ambitions of US Airways to the post-merger strength of American Airlines, N275AY witnessed it all.

Whether you're a collector, a frequent flyer, or an aviation history enthusiast, this PlaneTag brings you closer to a story that spans decades of transformation in the skies.

Like American Airlines A330? You May Like These Too

If you’re a fan of the A330 or American Airlines history, check out these other PlaneTags that share the legacy of U.S. aviation and Airbus widebodies:

• American Airlines DC-3 Flagship Tulsa
  Own a piece of American Airlines’ pioneering past. This tag comes from a Douglas DC-3 that helped establish the airline’s coast-to-coast Flagship Service in the 1930s.

• US Airways Boeing 757
  Celebrate another transatlantic player in the US Airways fleet. This narrowbody jet served international and domestic routes with style and endurance.

• Airbus A330 Aerolíneas Argentinas
  Love the A330? Expand your collection with this tag from another global carrier’s widebody workhorse, featuring vibrant paint and unique variants.

• Air Transat Airbus A310 PlaneTag
  Step back to an earlier era of Airbus long-haul innovation. This A310 tag is a great complement to your Airbus collection.

• Don't miss the other aircraft in our American Airlines Heritage Collection - start your own collection today.

Add American Airlines A330 to Your Collection

PlaneTags made from N275AY will be available starting June 12, 2025. Don’t miss your chance to own a piece of this aircraft. Stay tuned for release details, variant announcements, and more by joining our mailing list.