The Boeing 787 Dreamliner is an important part of American Airlines’ long-haul operations, with the airline operating a total of 37 Boeing 787-8 aircraft. However, it is the premium-heavy 787-9 that is of particular interest, as airlines are increasingly looking to cater to the needs of premium travelers in order to generate higher revenue.
According to data from Cirium, an online aviation analytics company, American Airlines started flying the 787-9 premium heavy configuration last May in response to renewed demand for elevated travel experiences and the desire for increased comfort among travelers. Currently, the airline operates at least 11 of these aircraft with a 244-seat configuration, featuring 51 Business, 32 Premium Economy, 18 Economy Plus, and 143 Main Cabin seats.
This year, American Airlines has deployed its premium heavy 787-9 on five routes, all to London Heathrow Airport (LHR). These routes include three daily services from Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) and double daily services from both New York JFK Airport (JFK) and Philadelphia International Airport (PHL). In addition, there is also a daily service from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW). These routes face competition from other carriers such as United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, British Airways, and Virgin Atlantic.
The premium heavy 787-9 has been designed to cater to the needs of premium passengers, who are willing to pay more for their tickets. It features American Airlines’ Flagship Suite seats, Premium Economy seats, and Main Cabin Extra seats, which offer slightly more legroom than the standard Main Cabin seats. This configuration has proven to be successful for the airline, as it has yielded higher revenue and allowed them to better compete with other major US carriers.
Passengers traveling in the Flagship Suite seats can enjoy a sliding privacy door and chaise lounge seat position, while those seated in the front row of the business cabin have additional storage space and are designated as Flagship Suite Preferred. Premium Economy travelers can relax in a 38-inch seat pitch with adjustable leg and calf rests, while also enjoying a 13. 3-inch entertainment screen and wireless charging ports. Overall, the aircraft can accommodate 244 passengers, slightly lower than other 787-9 models in order to cater to the higher tier seating layout.
In conclusion, American Airlines’ 787-9 premium heavy configuration has been a successful strategy for the airline, allowing them to cater to the needs of premium travelers and generate higher revenue. As the demand for elevated travel experiences continues to grow, we can expect to see more airlines following suit and offering more premium capacity on their aircraft.