US airline rolls out revamped 777 jet as carriers chase higher-spending travelers
The airline is also phasing out first class on the aircraft as 20 planes undergo a major overhaul
AbJimroe
American Airlines is adding more premium seats to its Boeing 777-300ER long-haul fleet, reflecting a broader effort by U.S. carriers to attract higher-spending travelers.
The carrier is also eliminating its first-class cabin while expanding its business-class seating.
Seeking to boost profitability with expanded premium offerings, American said its first retrofitted aircraft will enter commercial service Wednesday from New York to Buenos Aires. Upgrades across all 20 of its 777-300ERs are slated for completion in 2027.
The redesigned layout will feature 144 premium seats—up from 116 currently—increasing the overall proportion to about 44% from 38%. The configuration includes 70 Flagship Suite business-class seats with privacy doors, 44 Premium Economy seats, and 30 Main Cabin Extra seats offering extra legroom.
The current 777-300ER layout contains 52 business-class seats and eight Flagship First seats, its top international offering. American is eliminating Flagship First during the retrofit, ending sales for travel beginning November 19.
American was the last of the big three U.S. network carriers offering a separate international first-class cabin.
Delta Air Lines combined its international first and business cabins in late 1998, while United Airlines stopped selling international first class in 2018 as it transitioned long-haul planes to Polaris business class.
American announced in 2022 that it would drop international first class because passengers were not purchasing the product, allowing space for business-class seats that passengers are willing to pay for.
The retrofits extend American's emphasis on premium travel as it attempts to narrow a profit gap with Delta and United.
Premium passengers generated nearly half of American's ticket revenue in the second quarter despite filling about 30% of seats. American revealed last month that premium seating on narrowbody flights will expand to roughly 40% in coming years from around 25% now.
The shift reflects a broader trend across U.S. airlines. Revenue from premium offerings is outpacing cheaper options as higher-income consumers continue spending while price-sensitive travelers cut back on travel expenditures.
Lower-fare carriers are also adapting. Southwest Airlines is evaluating features historically tied to network airlines, including airport lounges, transoceanic flights, and premium seating. Frontier is introducing first-class-style seats, and JetBlue is expanding its premium product with lounges.
American flies its 777-300ERs on key long-haul routes including London, Tokyo, Sao Paulo, Buenos Aires, and Sydney. Updated planes will offer enhanced inflight entertainment, while members of American's AAdvantage loyalty program will receive free high-speed Wi-Fi access.
