American Airlines Ditches First Class for Business-Class Boom

American Airlines is revamping its long-haul cabins by eliminating traditional international first class and increasing premium seating. The airline's 20 Boeing 777-300ER aircraft are being retrofitted to include more Flagship Suite business-class seats, Premium Economy seats, and Main Cabin Extra seats.

The new configuration will have 144 premium seats, up from the previous 116. This includes 70 Flagship Suite business-class seats, which offer privacy doors, increased storage, and a chaise-lounge seating position. American says its aircraft now offers more premium seats than any plane operated by a US carrier.

The overhaul also increases total capacity to 330 passengers. American is betting heavily on premium travel, as it reported that premium passengers accounted for around 30% of its seats in the second quarter but generated nearly half of its ticketed revenue.