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American Airlines unveils premium seating on 777 jets in chase for luxe travelers
New York Post • • business
Key Points:
- American Airlines is retrofitting its Boeing 777-300ER fleet to add more premium seats, increasing premium capacity from 116 to 144 seats and eliminating first class in favor of more business-class seats with privacy doors.
- The airline plans to phase out its Flagship First product on 777-300ER flights starting November 19, completing upgrades on all 20 aircraft by 2027 to better cater to higher-spending travelers.
- This move aligns with a broader industry trend among US carriers emphasizing premium travel, as premium passengers generate nearly half of American's ticket revenue while occupying about 30% of seats.
- The retrofit will increase total aircraft capacity to 330 passengers and introduce upgraded in-flight entertainment and free high-speed Wi-Fi for AAdvantage loyalty members.
- Other US airlines, including Southwest, Frontier, and JetBlue, are also expanding premium offerings, reflecting growing demand from wealthier customers despite budget-conscious travelers pulling back.
