American Airlines Gives Boeing 777-300ER a New Lease on Life
American Airlines has begun retrofitting its Boeing 777-300ER fleet to keep them flying into the late 2030s. The first aircraft, N718AN, completed its cabin modification in August and will operate on a New York JFK-Buenos Aires route from September 2.
The new configuration adds 62 seats to each plane, increasing capacity to 366 passengers. However, business class is expanded to 70 Flagship Suite seats with privacy doors, while premium economy grows by 16 seats and main cabin extra seats increase by 30.
Despite the added capacity, American claims the new configuration will improve fuel efficiency per seat by almost 8% once completed. The retrofit also marks the end of American's international first-class product, Flagship First, which will no longer be sold on 777-300ERs or transcontinental flights from November 19.
American plans to retrofit its entire fleet of 20 aircraft, giving them a modern interior developed for newer long-haul planes. The carrier is investing in the cabins now as it prepares for the eventual replacement of its 777 fleet, which it expects will begin retiring during the 2030s.