Here’s an exciting update, as it looks like American’s new business class product may be just weeks from debuting.
In this post:
American’s delayed Boeing 787s may be arriving soon
While American already has a fleet of 59 Boeing 787s, the airline hasn’t taken delivery of a new wide body aircraft in nearly two years, since May 2023. The airline has an additional 30 787-9s on order — what’s exciting about these upcoming aircraft is that they’re supposed to be ultra-premium, featuring just 244 seats.
In early 2024, the plan was for American to take delivery of the first of these new aircraft in the summer of 2024, and for them to enter service as of October 2024 (and that already represented a delayed timeline). Unfortunately that didn’t actually materialize, due to Boeing’s issues.
In April 2024, American revealed that these planes were delayed indefinitely, and there was no timeline for when they would enter service. While we’ll see how this evolves, it sounds like there might be a positive update. @xJonNYC reports that American is expected to get its first two new Dreamliners in April 2025, and they should enter service shortly after being delivered.
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 11:09 AM
So while these planes haven’t yet been scheduled for any routes, and while everything with Boeing remains subject to change, that’s a generally encouraging update.
American is of course far from being the only carrier impacted by Boeing’s ongoing delivery delays. Arguably there are even bigger implications for Saudi Arabian airline startup Riyadh Air, which has had to delay its launch due to 787 delivery delays.
American Flagship Business Suites will finally roll out
American taking delivery of 787s will of course allow the airline to expand capacity in long haul markets, which is a good thing, especially since the deliveries will happen ahead of summer. However, arguably what’s much more exciting is that these planes will offer improved cabins, and a less dense layout.
For example, while American’s existing 787-9s have 30 business class seats, these jets will have 51 business class seats. Not only that, but these planes will feature the carrier’s all-new passenger experience, including the new Flagship Business Suites, as well as the front row Flagship Suite Preferred product. These seats will be based on the Adient Ascent platform, the same you’ll find on the 787-9s operated by Qatar Airways and Hawaiian Airlines.
American’s 777-300ERs will also be reconfigured with these new cabins, and at that point, international first class will be eliminated. While those planes were initially supposed to be reconfigured as of early 2025, that project has now been delayed until late 2025.
So with the current timeline, it sounds like the new passenger experience will first debut on newly delivered 787-9s, and then on reconfigured 777-300ERs.
Bottom line
American Airlines’ new premium Boeing 787s have been experiencing delivery delays, with the timeline for these planes being in limbo. While we’ll see if this sticks, it appears that two 787s could be delivered in April 2025, and enter service not long after that.
I’m hoping this timeline is realistic, since it would be great to finally see the debut of American’s new Flagship Business Suites. These cabins will also eventually be installed on 777-300ERs, though only as of later this year, best case scenario.
What do you make of American potentially taking delivery of new 787s soon?
With AA languishing at only 71st position in the World Airline Rankings, one is unlikely to see any improvement this year. If Boeing cannot even deliver new aircraft to its US customers, how can AA possibly improve upon its lowly position?
With AA languishing at only 71st position in the World Airline Rankings, one is unlikely to see any improvement this year. If Boeing cannot even deliver new aircraft to its US customers, how can AA possibly improve upon its lowly position?
I will never spend more than $1,000 for a ticket on any of the US3 carriers ever again. The soft products and inconsistent service are inferior in comparison to European carriers. I want to enjoy my flying for the time I have left.
It is right and usually deserved to sh*t on the USA big 3, but I am sorry outside of AF it is hard to argue British or the Lufthansa group offer a consistent superior business experience at this point.
Agreed on British, the Lufthansa Group, TAP, LOT, KLM, Virgin or the others - you're basically getting the same product as the US3, I would add Air France only really in La Premiere - their business product is decent but nothing mind-blowing. Perhaps you can make an argument for Swiss, but that's about it.
Really curious which routes they'd deploy these planes on first.
Hi Ben,
I've been a long time reader and really appreciate all the effort you've put in the articles!
Just wanted to get your opinion on how best to resolve a flight issue I encountered with an airline. What is the best way I can reach you?
Would love to see an expanded long haul network once they get these planes...won't match Delta/United in the near term on that point but any strides would be welcome
Think we'll have to wait until 2026 as the first of 50 A321XLRs start coming in midyear which will replace the A321Ts on transcontinentals.
At the same time, we're going to see a pretty big international expansion from AA between '26-'28 as AA will offer 45% more premium seats than today and will have at least 20 787's (many in a premium configuration) and 15-20 A321XLRs to add to its existing fleet today. They've name...
Think we'll have to wait until 2026 as the first of 50 A321XLRs start coming in midyear which will replace the A321Ts on transcontinentals.
At the same time, we're going to see a pretty big international expansion from AA between '26-'28 as AA will offer 45% more premium seats than today and will have at least 20 787's (many in a premium configuration) and 15-20 A321XLRs to add to its existing fleet today. They've name dropped a lot of secondary Europe from PHL and JFK and adding frequencies / some paused routes to ORD and MIA, but I'd imagine we'll see some more Asian routes from LAX.
Great news for AA to have at least 2 787's to use in the peak of the summer.
They want to keep their 777-200 will they see some cabin refresh will see.
The new hard product looks spectacular
But AA’s downfall has always been and will always be their soft product. Meh-to-inedible food; FAs a mixed bag of bullshit ranging from "I’m here for your safety ONLY so leave me alone” to “I hope you actively perish during the flight so I don’t have to get you a refill on your water”; middling premium lounges…though at least they have them, I guess, since DL is so late...
The new hard product looks spectacular
But AA’s downfall has always been and will always be their soft product. Meh-to-inedible food; FAs a mixed bag of bullshit ranging from "I’m here for your safety ONLY so leave me alone” to “I hope you actively perish during the flight so I don’t have to get you a refill on your water”; middling premium lounges…though at least they have them, I guess, since DL is so late to that party and Polaris lounges are (subjectively) better. AA’s lucky BA still flies their terrible hard product on lots of routes as it mitigates AA’s failings somewhat. For now. But ultimately AA is going to be the only bottom-of-the-barrel OW international airline of any import in the alliance - even with these swanky “new-to-them-but-not-anyone-else” suites.
Their FFP is still decent, though.
Food has recently been best of the three on long haul. Polaris might be better but flagship can be used on arrival, along with other OW lounges, to include Qantas First at LAX. FFP isn’t just decent as you say, but clearly the best of the three. Also has strong OW partners for trending travel destinations like Japan.
But some people want 6” tv screens in chairbacks for domestic flights with constant pausing from...
Food has recently been best of the three on long haul. Polaris might be better but flagship can be used on arrival, along with other OW lounges, to include Qantas First at LAX. FFP isn’t just decent as you say, but clearly the best of the three. Also has strong OW partners for trending travel destinations like Japan.
But some people want 6” tv screens in chairbacks for domestic flights with constant pausing from crew announcements, so if that’s you, please enjoy Delta or United.
Polaris lounge can also be used in transit and on arrival if in UA metal.
I do like the screens on UA and DL, but my main gripe with AA isn't that. It's that wifi is expensive, flights often get delayed with rolling delays, and buy-on-board options aren't good either in domestic economy. As someone switching to oneworld... you fly AA domestically only because AS unfortunately doesn't have the flight to the destination at the time you need. :-(
Comparing my Polaris flight to SYD, to AA return, definitely think UA has upper hand in service and product. Q lounge in SYD was definitely a let-down, but heard it's refurb is coming. As for back, think it's more than screens (but I definitely appreciate them). I primarily fly AA/Oneworld, and maybe I get lucky, but would say soft product is on-par or better than what I experience on AA. And AA's Wi-Fi prices....out of...
Comparing my Polaris flight to SYD, to AA return, definitely think UA has upper hand in service and product. Q lounge in SYD was definitely a let-down, but heard it's refurb is coming. As for back, think it's more than screens (but I definitely appreciate them). I primarily fly AA/Oneworld, and maybe I get lucky, but would say soft product is on-par or better than what I experience on AA. And AA's Wi-Fi prices....out of control. Redemptions and partners are their strongest features, along with ease (compared to others) of getting to a premium program tier (75K+).
Honestly, Flagship First and Dining was the only thing setting AA apart, even if they're not truly high quality F products. It's a shame that they're going to sunset those for these.
They already lag in all other aspects, their hard product, Flagship lounges, and service are all average at best. Having slightly better hard product isn't going to solve the problem for them.
The main redeeming factor for AA has been their alliance partners...
Honestly, Flagship First and Dining was the only thing setting AA apart, even if they're not truly high quality F products. It's a shame that they're going to sunset those for these.
They already lag in all other aspects, their hard product, Flagship lounges, and service are all average at best. Having slightly better hard product isn't going to solve the problem for them.
The main redeeming factor for AA has been their alliance partners and mileage program. Cathay, JAL, QR, etc. offer a substantial boost to an otherwise mediocre airline.
I mean they could sell that a buy-up and comes with their Business Prime, Business + seat, so maybe Flagship Dining will continue on...
Ahhhh Boeing... Truly a fantastic case to study in grad school...
Glad to see that the idiotic rear facing seats will be no more. I look forward to seeing if other aspects of AA's onboard service will also improve.
Unfortunately, the rear facing seats are found on some 772s and 788s, not the 789s and 77Ws, and there are currently no plans to replace them.
@DWT
It would be a waste to install new seats on more than a handful of older 777-200s (LHR only) . No new seats on the older 788s as they can just be deployed on the routes to South America and hold the line on routes to Europe while awaiting the more efficient a321XLR . Also bending over backwards and investing money they don’t have to cater to complementary systemwide and mileage redemption upgrades are illogical.
That's unfortunate. Pretty big oppty there as while I don't have an issue flying in reverse, my seat on last 772 did feel a bit tired, worn and wasn't the cleanest, but also sometimes what you get with AA. Having flown there on a BA A350, it definitely felt less competitive in both hard and soft product. If some of these are on their way out, I get not investing in them, bu presumed 788 would live on for another couple years.