American Airlines aims to improve profitability by increasing the number of premium seats on its Boeing 777-300ER aircraft operating on long-haul routes. The first retrofitted aircraft began commercial service on the 9th of this month on a flight from New York to Buenos Aires, with all 20 aircraft expected to be completed by 2027. After the retrofit, premium seats will increase from the current 116 to 144, raising their share of total seats from 38% to approximately 44%. The breakdown includes 70 seats in the door-equipped business class "Flagship Suite," 44 in premium economy, and 30 in the extra-legroom "Main Cabin Extra." Meanwhile, the current first class "Flagship First" with 8 seats will be eliminated and will no longer be sold on flights from November 19 onward. American announced the phased elimination of international first class in 2022, further advancing its strategy to increase the highly demanded business class. Premium seat passengers accounted for about 30% of all seats in the second quarter of 2026 but contributed roughly half of ticket revenue. American also plans to raise the premium seat share on single-aisle aircraft from the current approximately 25% to about 40% over the next few years. The retrofitted aircraft will be deployed on routes to London, Tokyo, São Paulo, Buenos Aires, Sydney, and others, and will feature refreshed in-flight entertainment and complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi for loyalty members.
American Airlines GroupIncreasing premium seats to meet high demand for business class, which contributes half of ticket revenue.
