Last week I wrote that American Airlines is expected to receive the first of its new slate of Boeing 787-9 widebodies. That’s exciting because,

• American has been short on long haul aircraft since retiring their Airbus A330, Boeing 767 and Boeing 757 planes during the pandemic.

• The Boeing 787-9 will be the first with American’s new premium economy and business class suites.

• 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.

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

We now know something about what routes will see these new planes first. Aviation watchdog JonNYC says that the plan is for the plane to operate domestically Chicago to Los Angeles and back, before going into international service on the Chicago – London Heathrow route.

In any case, late spring/early summer, AA will initiate 789p service ex-ORD is how it seems for now

— JonNYC (@xjonnyc.bsky.social) March 19, 2025 at 1:16 PM

Thinking ORD-LAX followed by ORD-LHR at first.

— JonNYC (@xjonnyc.bsky.social) March 19, 2025 at 1:56 PM

It’s not yet clear which frequency the plane will operate or what the start date will be. When the airline is able to put the plane into service hasn’t firmed yet. Currently, all three of American’s Chicago – London flights are scheduled to operate with Boeing 787-9 aircraft. I’ve heard rumblings that once American moves new aircraft into international service it’s likely that the late flight gets the new suites first.