There will be no separate first class: American Airlines changes Boeing 777-300ER cabins

Updated cabin for the flagship Boeing 777-300ER

According to УНІАН — Туризм: American Airlines has introduced a revamped layout for its long-haul Boeing 777-300ER. Now, the Flagship Business class suites are installed on board, and the total number of premium seats reaches 144, with an overall capacity of 330 passengers. The separate first class has been completely removed from the layout and will no longer be sold starting November 19, 2023. This move is another testament to how global airlines are reassessing the value of first class in favor of more flexible and spacious premium cabins.

The modernization affects a fleet of 20 such aircraft. The Flagship Business cabin features 70 suites, while the premium economy section has increased from 28 to 44 seats. Additionally, the layout includes 30 Main Cabin Extra seats.

Configuration and details of the update

The Boeing 777-300ER has become the third type in American Airlines' fleet to implement the new version of the flagship suite, Flagship Suite. This layout was first tested on the Boeing 787-9 in June 2025, followed by the Airbus A321XLR in December 2025. The first flight with the new interior took place on the route from New York (JFK) to Buenos Aires.

The updated business class features 19 rows with 52 seats replacing the previous configuration. These are produced by Elevate Aircraft Seating, and the seat arrangement in the row is 1×2×1. The seat pitch has been reduced from 43 to 42 inches, but the multimedia system now includes 17.5-inch 4K screens and Bluetooth.

Business class passengers gain access to the lounge. The economy cabin has 216 seats: 186 in standard Main Cabin and 30 in Main Cabin Extra. Eight former Flagship First suites are now called Flagship Preferred and will remain available until the end of sales on transcontinental routes, which will conclude in late March 2027.

“In updating any aircraft, we start from the existing space and strive to offer customers the widest possible range of products,” said an airline representative.

- American Airlines representative

In turn, the company's Chief Commercial Officer, Nat Pieper, added: “Nearly 60% of our revenue comes from households earning over $150,000 per year, and this demand is likely to remain stable even amid economic volatility.”

The updated Boeing 777-300ER will operate on flights to London, Tokyo, São Paulo, Buenos Aires, and Sydney. This highlights their importance to American Airlines' route network.

The company is carrying out the modernization of this model as part of a broader strategy to strengthen its position in the premium transportation segment. The growing interest of passengers in comfort necessitates adapting cabins to modern demands, and the new layout is an important step in this direction. The abandonment of first class appears to reflect American Airlines' desire for a more efficient and balanced structure of onboard products.

While American Airlines reassesses its strategy, United Airlines is also planning to expand its international routes by launching 11 new direct flights to Europe in the summer of 2027. These changes in air transport emphasize the growing competition in the market and the focus on improving the quality of service for passengers in business class and optimizing space on board.