American Airlines has announced its plan to reintroduce seatback screens across its narrowbody fleet, a pivot from its decision nearly a decade ago to remove them in an effort to cut costs. This move marks the carrier’s renewed focus on offering a premium in-flight experience.
New Deliveries and Retrofits
Starting in 2028, all new narrowbody Airbus and Boeing aircraft delivered to American Airlines will feature seatback screens. Additionally, existing aircraft will be retrofitted to include these screens, showcasing the airline’s commitment to enhancing passenger convenience and comfort.
Industry Comparison
Currently, over 140 of American Airlines’ long-haul planes are equipped with seatback screens. In comparison, its major competitors, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines, boast seatback screens in fleets of over 900 and 800 aircraft, respectively. This illustrates the competitive gap American Airlines aims to close with its latest initiative.
Future Fleet Vision
American Airlines plans to complete the installation of seatback screens by the early 2030s. These new screens will come equipped with 4K technology and a broader array of content, reflecting the airline’s ambition to offer a superior in-flight entertainment experience.
Reporting based on coverage first published by skift.com.