Air TransportAmerican Airlines will retrofit Boeing 777-200 to expand premium seats
American Airlines confirmed on Thursday plans to modernize its fleet of Boeing 777-200 aircraft, aiming to increase the number of premium seats and extend the operational life of the aircraft.
The retrofit of the 41 777-200 currently in service will result in a 25% increase in lie-flat and premium economy seats. According to the company, the initiative aims to meet the growing demand for premium cabins while controlling the costs of fleet replacement.
“We are excited to announce that we will continue to scale our new Flagship product on our 777-200 aircraft,” said Devon May, CFO of American Airlines, to Aviation Week.
The Flagship Suite debuted on Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner and provides financial relief. “The retrofit of the 777-200 is a big deal for us because it extends the life of these planes,” said Robert Isom, the company’s CEO.
Currently, American Airlines’ 777-200 aircraft operate with 273 seats, including 37 in Flagship Business, 24 in Premium Economy, 66 in Main Cabin Extra, and 146 in Main Cabin. The fleet has an average age of approximately 25 years.
In addition to the 777-200, American plans to expand the Flagship Suite on 20 777-300ER aircraft, increasing premium seats by 20%. The 777-300ER currently has 304 seats, distributed among Flagship First, Flagship Business, Premium Economy, Main Cabin Extra, and Main Cabin.
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