American Airlines has launched its first retrofitted Boeing 777-300ER, featuring more premium seats than any aircraft operated by a US carrier.
The aircraft, N718AN (c/n 41665), is the first of American Airlines’ 20 777-300ERs to receive the upgraded cabins. The retrofit removes the airline’s Flagship First cabin, beginning the phase-out of the last international first-class product offered by a US carrier.
In its place, American has installed 70 Flagship Suite business class seats with privacy doors, alongside 44 premium economy seats and 30 economy seats with additional legroom – bringing the total number of premium seats to 144. The airline says the configuration offers more premium seating than any aircraft operated by a US carrier.
“Our Flagship aircraft represents the next evolution of premium travel at American,” said Nat Pieper, American’s chief commercial officer. “With elegantly designed interiors and spacious premium seating, the Boeing 777-300ER reflects our continued commitment to creating a travel experience around what customers value most.”
American’s 20-strong 777-300ER fleet operates on some of its key long-haul routes, including services to London, Tokyo, São Paulo, Buenos Aires and Sydney.
Following a media demonstration flight from Dallas/Fort Worth to New York/JFK today (September 2), on which Airliner World will be aboard, N718AN is scheduled to operate its first commercial service from JFK to Buenos Aires later the same day. The demonstration flight is currently listed as AA9705, while N718AN is scheduled to operate AA953 to Buenos Aires.
As American rolls out the Flagship Suite product across the fleet, Flagship First will no longer be available for purchase on Boeing 777-300ER services for travel from November 19.
The airline is also replacing its three-class Airbus A321T aircraft with A321XLRs on premium transcontinental routes. As more A321XLRs enter service, Flagship First will cease to be available for purchase on those routes for travel from March 28, 2027.
Stay tuned for a full report on the demonstration flight as Airliner World tries the new cabins first-hand!
