Leaked: American Airlines 777-300ER To Feature Most Premium Seats Of Any US Carrier
A major cabin overhaul is coming to American Airlines’ Boeing 777-300ER fleet—and it’s not just a cosmetic update or a quick swap of the existing first class seats for two more rows of business class. According to a leaked internal document, the flagship widebody aircraft is set to become the most premium-configured aircraft currently operated by a US airline.
American Airlines 777-300ER Will Have 70 Business Class Seats, Expanded Premium Economy Cabin
American will retrofit all 20 of its 777-300ERs with a new “Flagship Suite” business class seat (more details on the new business class suite here), replacing the existing B/E Aerospace Super Diamond product. Thanks to aviation insider JonNYC, we now have an idea of what the Layout of Passenger Accommodations (LOPA) will look like onboard.
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Once complete, these jets will feature an impressive 70 business class seats—more than any other aircraft among US carriers. That’s up from 52 in the current configuration. For comparison, United’s Polaris-equipped 777-300ERs offer 60 business class seats and Delta’s new flagship A350-1000 will offer roughly 50 seats (Delta’s current fleet of A350-900 is being upped from 32 to 40 seats and Delta has hinted its new A350-1000s will have about 15% more Delta One seats).
In addition to business class, American will expand the premium economy cabin from 28 to 44 seats. The airline has recognized that even during economic uncertainty (at least thus far…), demand for premium cabins is strong, and American hopes to regain premium market share to destinations like London, São Paulo, Tokyo, and Hong Kong after years of no clear growth strategy.
This won’t be the most premium configuration ever…United’s old 747-400s had 36 seats in first class and 123 seats in Connoisseur (business) class, though I’d argue that even the first class seats of the early 1990s represent a huge step down from the current business class seats (of virtually any carrier).
How American Airlines Achieves So Many More Premium Seats
The reconfigured 777 will be losing eight first class seats, but will be gaining 18 business class seats and 16 premium economy seats while the economy class seat count will remain constant at 216.
But where do those extra seats come from? In addition to the elimination of eight first class seats—the end of an era for American’s only remaining international first class product—lavatories, galley space, and even seat pitch are being trimmed to accommodate the expansion.
Gone are the spacious walk-up snack bar area between business class cabins and the generous lavatories near Door 3. In the retrofit, the third set of doors will go from having four lavatories to just two, while the fourth set of doors will lose all lavatories entirely. Galley space is also being reduced, especially near the rear of the aircraft, which could have significant operational impacts for flight attendants serving 330 passengers.
The seat pitch in business class is also being cut from 43 inches to 42 inches—subtle, yes, but probably noticeable. Main Cabin Extra (AA’s extra-legroom economy class section) pitch is also being reduced by an inch, from 35 inches to 34 inches.
Still, the new Flagship Suite looks impressive. Based on the Adient Ascent platform, it will feature sliding privacy doors, fully lie-flat beds, multiple storage areas, wireless charging, and Bluetooth connectivity. American will also debut a new front-row “Flagship Suite Preferred” with added amenities including Nest Bedding mattress pads and memory foam lumbar pillows.
This configuration shift is part of American’s broader strategy to eliminate first class and go all-in on premium business class. The airline already plans to introduce these Flagship Suites on its new Airbus A321XLR and Boeing 787-9 aircraft beginning later this year. But the 777-300ER retrofit is particularly significant—it represents not only a shift in onboard product but a rethinking of the airline’s identity and an attempt (some might say last grasp) to catch up to Delta and United, both of which have surpassed American when it comes to profitability.
CONCLUSION
While some passengers may lament the loss of international first class or tighter Main Cabin Extra seating, there’s no denying that American’s updated 777-300ERs will be a premium powerhouse. American Airlines projects the first reconfigured aircraft to enter service in late 2025, with the full fleet updated over the next couple of years, but I am predicting 2026…
For now, though, the big takeaway is this: American Airlines is leaning into the premium passenger experience—a move it hopes it is not too late for as the world lurches into economic uncertainty.