American Airlines to add seatback screens, bigger first class in race to catch up to Delta and United

Live updates

1. 27d ago

   American Airlines upgrades fleet with seatback screens and more premium seats

   American Airlines is upgrading its narrowbody fleet with seatback screens and more premium seats, including larger first-class seats, in an effort to catch up with competitors Delta and United. The move aims to enhance the passenger experience and increase revenue. American Airlines is installing seatback screens on over 800 planes, with the upgrade expected to be completed fleetwide.

   Why it matters

   The aviation industry has seen a trend of airlines investing in premium amenities to attract high-value customers. American Airlines' upgrade comes as the company seeks to improve its competitiveness in the market. Delta and United have already introduced similar upgrades, prompting American Airlines to follow suit. The airline industry's focus on passenger experience and revenue growth drives these investments.

   What is confirmed

   • American Airlines is installing seatback screens on over 800 planes.
   • The upgrade includes larger first-class seats.
   • American Airlines aims to catch up with competitors Delta and United.

   What to watch next

   • Completion timeline of the fleetwide upgrade
   • Passenger and revenue impact of the upgrades
   • Competitor responses to American Airlines' upgrades
   Sources used for this update (9)

   1. CNBC — American Airlines to add seatback screens, bigger first class in race to catch up to Delta and United
   2. qz.com — American Airlines to add seatback screens, more first-class seats
   3. American Airlines — American Airlines announces fleetwide upgrade with installation of seatback screens at every seat and increased premium seats across the narrowbody fleet
   4. Dallas News — American Airlines bringing seat-back screens to narrowbody jets
   5. WSJ — American Is Adding Seat-Back Screens to More Than 800 Planes
   6. Bloomberg.com — American Air Brings Back Seatback Screens on Short-Haul Jets
   7. The Washington Post — American Airlines planes are getting an upgrade
   8. BBC — American Airlines to bring back TV screens on US flights
   9. The New York Times — In a Big Pivot, Seat-Back Screens Are Returning at American Airlines
   confidence 85%