American Airlines launched its newest premium aircraft on its first flight from Chicago O’Hare International Airport to Los Angeles International Airport on 5 June, carrying more than 200 passengers.
The Boeing 787-9 features the airline’s Flagship Suite seats, a reimagined Premium Economy cabin and redesigned Main Cabin.
The flight marked the beginning of summer travel as several new international and domestic routes also launched.
Passengers on the inaugural premium Boeing 787-9 flight received gift bags containing commemorative items, including a flight tag designed specifically for the aircraft’s debut.
“We’re excited that you are part of the beginning of this plane’s journey,” American’s Chief Customer Officer Heather Garboden said in a note to passengers on Flight 2012.
“Everything you see on board today was designed with you in mind: from the design details to Bluetooth connectivity to state-of-the-art entertainment, your comfort is our priority.”
The aircraft includes 51 Flagship Suite seats with enhanced personal storage space, wireless charging pads, USB-C and AC power, and chaise lounge seating with adjustable headrest pillows.
Passengers travelling in this cabin receive priority check-in, security, boarding and baggage handling.
For long-haul international flights, customers have access to American’s Flagship lounge prior to departure.
During flight, Flagship Suite service offers multicourse meals paired with award-winning wines, Brandon Blackwood amenity kits and dual-sided pillows with cool touch fabric.
The Premium Economy section features 32 redesigned seats with new headrest wings for additional privacy and enhanced calf and footrests.
These seats include new trim and finish, wireless charging, water bottle storage and USB-C and AC power.
Main Cabin passengers will have access to USB-C and AC power and 4K QLED screens featuring entertainment technology from Thales.
The entertainment system includes blockbuster movies, audiobooks and children’s shows.
Bluetooth connectivity is available across all cabins, allowing passengers to use personal headsets with the inflight entertainment system.
American also launched several new international routes, including nonstop service from Miami to Rome and Dallas Fort Worth to Venice, Italy.
The airline introduced new service from Charlotte, North Carolina to Athens, Greece, offering four daily flights to Greece this summer.
Earlier in June, American launched nonstop service from Chicago O’Hare to Naples, Italy, Philadelphia to Edinburgh, Scotland, and Philadelphia to Milan, Italy.
The airline also began nonstop service from Chicago O’Hare to Madrid in March.
American Airlines offers flights to more than 350 destinations in over 60 countries as a founding member of the oneworld alliance.
