American Airlines Adds Seatback Screens
The airline will install 4K displays and more premium seats to catch up with Delta and United, with a planned completion date in the early 2030s
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Premium seating will rise to about 40% of seats on narrow-body departures.
Story published. The airline will install 4K displays and more premium seats to catch up with Delta and United, with a planned completion date in the early 2030s
American Airlines is set to add seatback screens and bigger first class to its fleet, in a bid to catch up with rivals Delta and United. The new seatback screens, featuring 4K displays, will start appearing with new deliveries from Boeing and Airbus in 2028.
The airline will also retrofit aircraft so passengers in all cabins can use the screens, which will include additional features like Bluetooth audio pairing and USB-C charging. This move marks a significant shift in American Airlines' strategy, as the company had previously opted not to install seatback screens, citing the cost and weight of the equipment.
American Airlines is also planning to add more first-class seats on its Airbus A321neos and Boeing 737 Max 10s. The airline is expected to complete the installations of the new seatback screens in the early 2030s. Additionally, American Airlines will refurbish its Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners with new business-class suites and add more extra legroom seats across its fleet.
The move comes as American Airlines reported a profit of $71 million for the second quarter, significantly lower than its rivals. United Airlines reported a profit of $805 million, while Delta Air Lines reported a profit of $1.6 billion for the same period.
## Why it matters The addition of seatback screens and premium seats is part of American Airlines' efforts to close the profit gap with its rivals. The airline's decision to invest in new technology and cabin revamps is expected to improve customer satisfaction and generate revenue. With the airline industry becoming increasingly competitive, American Airlines' move is seen as a necessary step to stay ahead in the market.
The refurbishments and additions are expected to enhance the overall flying experience for American Airlines' passengers, with the new seatback screens and premium seats offering more comfort and entertainment options. As the airline continues to work on its fleet upgrades, passengers can expect a more modern and enjoyable travel experience in the coming years.
