American Airlines to Revamp International Fleet

At a news conference held on a Boeing 777 aircraft, American Airlines announced that it will be completely revamping its international widebody fleet.  The airline said it is investing hundreds of millions of dollars to accomplish this.

The carrier’s fleet of Boeing 777-200ER aircraft will be reconfigured to a two-class cabin (it is currently three-class)  that will feature fully lie-flat business-class seats that offer aisle access for every seat.  The seats will have a large tray table, a work area, and easy-to-adjust controls.

Business class passengers will also have a walk-up bar with snacks and refreshments. Other new additions will include international Wi-Fi, in-seat entertainment in every cabin, and more legroom in Main Cabin Extra seating.

At the news conference, American Airlines executives boasted that the new business-class seating will have one of the largest living spaces available in Boeing 777  business-class cabins offered by U.S. airlines.

American’s 767-300ER aircraft will also receive the fully lie-flat business-class seats with aisle access, and Main Cabin Extra seating. The redesign of those aircraft is scheduled to begin in early 2014. Nearly half of American’s 767-300ERs will be reconfigured, while the rest of the fleet will be retired.

Between the end of 2012 and through 2013, American will take delivery of ten 777-300ERs, which will be designed as three-class aircraft. These aircraft will also offer the brand new Flagship Suite lie-flat seats in first, the new business-class seats that are going into the 777-200s and 767-300s, Main Cabin Extra, and international Wi-Fi.  The initial routes for these aircraft will be London (Heathrow) and São Paulo, Brazil.

American also took the opportunity to show off new amenities and dining options during the news conference, including new amenity kits and bedding, and served a in-flight breakfast (pictured) of one of the airline’s new breakfast entrées.