American Airlines updates 777-300ER with new Flagship Suites
American Airlines has introduced its new Flagship Suite cabin on a retrofitted Boeing 777-300ER, marking the official end of its long-haul first class
American Airlines unveiled its first retrofitted Boeing 777-300ER featuring the new Flagship Suites on Wednesday. The aircraft, registered N718AN, is the third type in the fleet to receive the premium interior after the 787-9 and A321XLR.
The Fort Worth-based carrier says the overhaul positions it to offer more premium seats on a single aircraft than any other US airline. The 777-300ER underwent an eight-month retrofit process in Hong Kong before being ferried back to Dallas/Fort Worth on August 13.
Premium Cabin Configuration and Amenities
The aircraft now features 70 Flagship Suite seats in a 1-2-1 layout in the forward cabin. Eight of these are designated Flagship Suite Preferred, offering up to 19% more bed space and 42% more living area. Behind the suites, the cabin configuration changes.
| Cabin | Seat Type | Quantity | Layout | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flagship | Suite | 70 | 1-2-1 | Bluetooth, WiFi, 4K screens, wireless charging |
| Premium Economy | Recliner | 44 | 2-4-2 | Bluetooth, WiFi, 4K screens, wireless charging |
| Main Cabin | Standard | 216 | Not specified | Bluetooth, WiFi, 4K screens, AC power outlets |
Thirty Main Cabin seats are Main Cabin Extra with additional legroom. The retrofit expands the aircraft's total capacity from 304 to 330 seats. Nat Pieper, American’s Chief Commercial Officer, stated the Boeing 777-300ER reflects the airline's commitment to creating a travel experience around what customers value most.
Phasing Out Long-Haul First Class
The retrofit marks the official end of a long-haul first class product on American Airlines. The 777-300ER was previously the only widebody in the fleet featuring both Flagship First and Flagship Business cabins. The legacy Flagship First product had eight lie-flat seats and came with perks like private check-in and exclusive fine dining at select airports.
With the new configuration, all 70 passengers in the Flagship cabin will receive the same experience, including priority check-in, security, boarding, and baggage handling. American will discontinue selling Flagship First on the 777-300ER for travel beginning November 19.
A similar phase-out is occurring on the airline's transcontinental routes. The Airbus A321T subfleet, which also featured a dual Flagship First and Business cabin, is being replaced by A321XLR aircraft. American will stop selling first class on those transcontinental routes for travel beginning March 28, 2027.
Fleet and Route Deployment
American Airlines operates 20 Boeing 777-300ER aircraft. They are regularly deployed on long-haul routes from the carrier's hubs to destinations including London, Tokyo, Sao Paulo, Buenos Aires, and Sydney. The newly retrofitted N718AN was scheduled to make its commercial debut on Wednesday evening on flight AA953 from New York-JFK to Buenos Aires.
American is one of only two US carriers operating the 777-300ER, with United Airlines being the other. United's fleet of the type, first delivered in 2016, underwent a retrofit in 2019 to feature up to 60 business class seats.
