American Airlines (American) has unveiled a major overhaul of its narrow-body fleet, with plans to install seatback entertainment screens at every seat while substantially increasing the proportion of premium and extra-legroom seating.
The investment will see premium seating grow from around 25% of seats on the airline’s narrow-body departures today to approximately 40% in the coming years, as American retrofits existing aircraft and takes delivery of new jets with upgraded cabin configurations.
“We’re making one of the most significant investments in the onboard experience in our history,” said American Chief Customer Officer Heather Garboden. “From next-generation seatback entertainment at every seat to substantially more premium seating options, these enhancements will give our customers more ways to relax, stay connected and enjoy their journey.”
As part of the programme, American is retrofitting its Airbus A319 and A320 fleets with an additional row of first-class seating. Its forthcoming Boeing 737 MAX 10 aircraft will feature 24 first-class seats, while the carrier’s A321neo fleet will also be reconfigured with additional first-class capacity.
The majority of American’s narrow-body fleet will also be retrofitted with more Main Cabin Extra Seats. The product provides additional legroom alongside benefits including earlier boarding, dedicated overhead bin space and a complimentary beverage.
Cabin upgrades will extend beyond additional premium capacity, with more storage, redesigned seating and enhanced lighting forming part of the wider narrow-body transformation.
The airline is also making a significant shift in its inflight entertainment strategy. From 2028, all new Airbus and Boeing aircraft deliveries will feature next-generation seatback entertainment screens at every seat, with the technology also set to be installed on aircraft undergoing retrofit programmes.
American plans to roll out the new displays as quickly as possible, with installation across the fleet expected to be completed by the early 2030s. The move will considerably expand the airline’s seatback entertainment footprint beyond the more than 140 long-haul aircraft currently equipped with screens.
According to the carrier, the next-generation entertainment platform will offer improved picture quality and connectivity while enabling more personalised content. Combined with high-speed Starlink connectivity and American’s wider portfolio of premium onboard products, the new seatback experience is intended to deliver a more personalised and connected journey across the airline’s narrow-body fleet.
