American Airlines is preparing to introduce a new configuration of its Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, featuring a premium-heavy layout and the debut of its Flagship Suite product.
AirlineGeeks got a firsthand look at the new product at the airline’s Dallas/Fort Worth hangar on Thursday. The aircraft is set to enter revenue service next month, marking a shift in the airline’s long-haul strategy toward greater focus on premium seating.
Flagship Suites
Dubbed the “787-9P,” the reconfigured Dreamliners will offer 51 Flagship Suite seats, replacing the older Collins Super Diamond business class product. These new suites are fully enclosed and include privacy doors, direct aisle access, and updated finishes in line with American’s latest branding elements.
The suites are arranged in a 1-2-1 configuration and include expanded surface space, larger entertainment screens, and wireless charging pads.
In the front of the business class cabin, American added eight Flagship Suites Preferred seats. These feature 19% more bed space and 42% additional living space, along with elevated soft products, the airline says.
They will also be installed on the carrier’s yet-to-be-delivered Airbus A321XLRs. Its 20 777-300ERs are slated to be retrofitted as well.
Premium Economy and Economy Cabins
American is also installing refreshed Premium Economy seats — 32 in total — which offer improved recline, larger IFE screens, and an updated hard product designed to enhance passenger comfort on long-haul routes, the carrier states.
In addition, the aircraft will feature 161 economy seats, bringing the total capacity to 244 passengers. With 41 fewer total seats, this reflects a notable reduction in overall seating compared to previous configurations.
Routes
American has confirmed the initial deployment plan for its new aircraft. The inaugural flight is scheduled for next Thursday, June 5, operating as flight 2012 from Chicago O’Hare to Los Angeles.
Following its return to Chicago, the aircraft will continue to London Heathrow as flight 98, marking the first international service featuring the new Flagship Suite product.
Later in the summer, American plans to introduce the reconfigured 787-9s on additional routes, including Philadelphia to London Heathrow and Zurich. In the fall, the aircraft will fly between Dallas/Fort Worth and Brisbane, Australia, the carrier’s longest scheduled route.
American’s network planning chief, Brian Znotins, said the aircraft will also be added on flights to Auckland.
The first two 787-9P aircraft were delivered to the airline in April. American expects to receive a total of eight Dreamliners this year, and 30 787-9Ps by the end of the decade.
