Next month, American Airlines will receive the first two of the Boeing 787-9 long haul aircraft that it ordered back in 2018 starting next month. That’s according to aviation watchdog JonNYC>
One hears AA is beginning to look at extending the lifespan of the 777-200 fleet. No idea what the threshold is but I'd imagine they're looking at the oldest aircraft going in for heavy check to get an estimate for review
Also, 11 787s expected this year, starting with two in April
— JonNYC (@xjonnyc.bsky.social) March 11, 2025 at 10:09 AM
What makes this special is that the planes will come with new premium seats. They planned for a new soft product to accompany this.
New Business Suites, Credit: American Airlines
New Business Suites, Credit: American Airlines
New widebody aircraft come with new premium economy seats as well.
Credit: American Airlines
Credit: American Airlines
The bulkhead row in business class has extra space and is marketed as ‘Flagship Suite Preferred Seat’ and comes with additional bedding (branded Nest Bedding mattress pad, throw blanket, memory foam lumbar pillow, Nest Bedding pajamas) as well as a differentiated amenity kit with additional skincare items.
Credit: American Airlines
Credit: American Airlines
These planes were supposed to start arriving in 2023 but Boeing has faced delays. American expected to launch their new Dallas – Brisbane flight with the aircraft in October 2024, but didn’t make that deadline. FAA red tape contributed to the delay as well.
New Boeing 787-9s come with 51 business class suites, up from just 30 on existing 787-9 aircraft, and will come with 32 premium economy seats compared to 21 on current planes. That increase in premium cabin seating should be good for airfares, upgrades, and awards.
American’s most recent plan, disclosed in their February 10-K filing, showed just 8 Boeing 787-9s in 2025 but does not include more specific timing estimates. Delivery schedules can change frequently and rapidly. An American Airlines spokesperson offers, “we typically update our fleet delivery schedule every quarter in the 10-Q.”
So receiving 2 Boeing 787-9s in April – subject to change – and 11 this year – would indeed be news.
Unfortunately, while American Airlines plans to retrofit Boeing 777-300ERs with these products (and eliminating Flagship First Class) starting next year, there is no announced plan to update the products on their existing Boeing 787-8, Boeing 787-9, or Boeing 777-200 aircraft.
American Airlines ‘Concept D’ Business Class
American Airlines ‘Super Diamond’ Business Class
JonNYC’s further suggestion, though, about American keeping their 777-200s longer and performing heavy checks on them could align with investing in those interiors. Airline CEO Robert Isom emphasized today at the J.P. Morgan investor conference that the airline planned for low capital expenditures. Keeping their Boeing 777-200s rather than ordering new planes would be consistent with.
About freaking time. Have been waiting for what seems like ages. This is my only hope for AA to turn things around. I know, not a lot, but it’s something.
1) I don’t like the brown accent colors. It reminds me of wood paneling from the 70s.
2) The ‘Flagship Suite Preferred Seat’ sounds stupid and confusing. I’m assuming they will charge a premium for J+ which isn’t first class, doesn’t have a window, or offer privacy for solo travelers. I just see this as a money grab.
3) The seats are an improvement, but I don’t see this as any sort of quantum leap.
Any word on what the initial launch routes will be? Surely with two arriving next month they’d be on the schedule by now.
@Pat –> It’s only a “Quantum Leap” if Scott Bakula happens to be onboard…but it IS about f***ing time!
PAT DO US A FAVOR, GO FLY SPIRIT!
ENOUGH ALREADY!
I doubt Pat can afford it. All bark. No bite.
@ Gary — Why do I suspect that this will turn into AA’s next big disapoointment? At first, the seats will be great and the service will be better. From there, death by a thousand cuts awaits.
I had “front row” on AA’s B789 when I recently flew PHL-DOH. I actually liked the seat, it was quite comfortable.
Looking forward to these new B789’s.
Any guesses on what domestic routes this wide body operates? What happens to the transcon a321t?
@Jacobin777 — PHL-DOH, on AA, not QR? Hope it was a good price, or a redemption, at least; otherwise, I’d say QR is hands-down best for that route, especially if they operate with Qsuite, though sometimes QR uses older an 2-2-2 business class or the 1-2-1 non-Qsuite lie-flat. By ‘front row’ I presume you meant, row 1, like, business class, not like, the first row of economy, bulkhead. And if it was business class with AA, it’s a shame the new Flagship at PHL isn’t open yet.
Foxtrotlimamike,
They won’t be flying any domestic routes unless it’s for repositioning,the 321XLR will be replacing the 321T,they should start getting some maybe Q3 most likely Q4 this year
Internet sleuth Ukrainian terrorist sympathizer Jon NYC. Even if true you’ll still be served bottom of the barrel food with your complimentary upgrades. An indefinite 10 year conundrum for American with these new aircraft. Oh boy.