Rumors are true: American Airlines plans to phase out long-haul first class over the next few years.
But wealthy travelers need not worry too much. The airline plans to combine Flagship First and Flagship Business Class into a new Flagship Suite configuration on its most expensive aircraft, providing direct access to everyone ahead of many high-value routes. Promise access and privacy door.
American will also update and expand the premium economy cabins on these aircraft as part of the overhaul, installing new seats with headrest wings for added privacy.
“At the heart of all of this is American Airlines continuing to listen and get feedback from our customers,” said Julie Rath, vice president of customer experience at American Airlines USA. told TODAY. “The flagship suite we are offering truly meets our customers’ expectations for a premium her cabin.”
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What will American Airlines’ new flagship suite look like?
Flagship suite seats offer direct access to privacy doors and aisles for all passengers, as well as more personal space than existing flagship business class seats. The all new flagship seat transforms into a fully flat bed.
“Privacy doors are very important to our customers,” says Rath. Passenger feedback has also prompted airlines to focus on maximizing personal space when designing new products.
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“We work with all of our partners, including the company that buys the seats and the interior designer of the lounge,” says Rath. “How can we tailor and deliver the best products for American Airlines customers?”
According to renderings, the new suites feature dark upholstery and carpets, offset by light grays and wood trim around entertainment systems and partitions.
What will American Airlines’ new Premium Economy seats look like?
American Airlines was the first U.S. airline to introduce dedicated premium economy cabins on its long-haul jets about six years ago, and its plans to update many of these seats are a testament to how popular this class has become. is showing.
Renderings show that the new premium economy seats have privacy wings near the headrests and updated multi-tone upholstery.
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“The demand for premium products is definitely increasing,” says Rath. “This is another step in the evolution of truly listening to our customers.”
When will these updates appear?
It will be some time before these new seats enter passenger service. According to American Airlines, the first aircraft of the new configuration he will deliver in 2024, and a full retrofit of the existing aircraft is not expected to be completed until late 2025 or early 2026.
According to American Airlines, the new Boeing 787-9 and Airbus A321XLR will be delivered with new seats in 2024. The company’s flagship long-haul Boeing 777-300ER will later be retrofitted, and the existing Airbus A321T currently used for premium transcontinental services will be retrofitted to the airline’s other A320 configurations. The plan suggests that these premium single-aisle aircraft will be replaced by XLRs for intercoastal service once they are delivered.
For now, American Airlines has no plans to reconfigure its 777-200 or 787-8 aircraft and will maintain its existing business class and premium economy layout.