It’s been more than six months since American Airlines launched its best business-class product yet, launching its new flagship suite — an alluring seat the airline hopes will make it more competitive against its two top rivals.
This beautiful new product will become a fixture at the airline’s most premium hubs for the first time.
American Airlines will debut its new Airbus A321XLR at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) next week with nonstop transcontinental service to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).
The plane features 20 of American’s new business-class suites, complete with sliding privacy doors and updated onboard technology, not to mention the cabin looks much fresher than most of the planes currently operated by the Fort Worth-based airline.
For travelers in New York and those traveling through the US JFK Terminal 8 hub, there are many more sources.
The Early Flagship Suite Era: Chicago, Philadelphia, Dallas
American Airlines debuted its new flagship suites and next-generation cabin in June, when the airline christened its most premium heavy-lift Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner yet.
The accompanying flagship product was a favorite redemption option among TPG employees this summer, especially those who successfully used Alaska Airlines Atmos Rewards points to earn partner redemptions.
Review: Is it worth it to buy American Airlines’ new first choice business class flagship suite?
In the months since, American has used the Boeing 787-9P Dreamliner primarily on long-haul flights from its hubs at Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) and Philadelphia International Airport (PHL), and most recently from Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW).
Reward your inbox with the TPG daily newsletter
Join over 700,000 readers and get breaking news, in-depth guides and exclusive offers from TPG experts
It already serves London from all three airports, and this winter it also flies on some of the airline’s routes from Dallas to Australia and New Zealand.
Next up is JFK
But so far, JFK has been (mostly) excluded as the airline has deployed its suite of products. This situation is about to change significantly.
Related: American Airlines teases ‘constant flow’ of ‘exciting’ lounge news
Airbus A321XLR ready for takeoff
First, there is the arrival of the aforementioned A321XLR. The aircraft also features a true premium economy cabin and is expected to take over major transcontinental routes currently served by American Airlines’ Airbus A321Ts, which the airline is phasing out (to this point, flights to the West Coast will be in flagship first class).
The first XLR flight between JFK and LAX is scheduled for December 18, and the airline has dozens of additional XLRs on order in the coming years.
But New York visitors will see more suites sooner.
Boeing 787-9P will also arrive at JFK Airport
American Airlines’ top network planner told an industry conference last week that the airline may fly its suite-equipped 787-9P Dreamliners to JFK Airport more regularly this spring once seasonal South Pacific routes are grounded.
Speaking at the Skift Aviation Forum on December 3, Brian Znotins, American Airlines’ senior vice president of network planning, said you might see the aircraft taking over a flight to London Heathrow (LHR).
“DFW is going to see a trip,” Znotins said. “Then we’ll probably also be flying out of JFK.”
To date, American Airlines has received a total of 10 premium heavy-lift Dreamliners. A spokesman confirmed 11 were expected before the end of the year.
Boeing 777-300ER modification plan
American also plans to add the product (along with an updated cabin look) soon as part of a comprehensive refresh of its Boeing 777-300ER, the airline’s largest aircraft and the workhorse on the busiest international routes out of JFK.
In addition to this, American also plans to make its new flagship more widely available across its international fleet.
The airline confirmed in October that it would also update its smaller 777-200ER – the airline’s most flown twin-aisle aircraft.
Side note
We should note that the 787-9P actually made a brief cameo at JFK in December, flying daily to LHR in the weeks leading up to the holidays.
So if you fly JFK-LHR in the next few weeks, you might be in for a surprise.
You can spot this aircraft by checking the airline’s website and looking for the “78P” code, which indicates a new aircraft.
bottom line
American’s update to its long-haul fleet comes as the airline struggles to close the revenue gap with Delta Air Lines and United Airlines, which have posted strong financial results in recent years in part because travelers have become increasingly willing to pay for more premium seats.
“I think if we had more [premium] Today, our profits will be higher. ” American Airlines Chief Financial Officer Devon May said last week.
Related reading:
