Key facts
- American Airlines will install seatback entertainment screens on approximately 800 single-aisle jets.
- Retrofits are scheduled to begin in 2028 and continue into the early 2030s.
- New aircraft deliveries starting in 2028 will include seatback screens.
- The airline plans to increase premium seating to about 40% of its narrowbody departures.
- This strategy shift aims to improve profitability and compete more effectively with rivals.
American Airlines is reversing its long-held strategy of not installing seatback entertainment screens on its single-aisle jets, announcing plans to equip around 800 aircraft with the technology. New Airbus and Boeing planes arriving from 2028 will feature screens, with retrofits on existing planes beginning the same year and continuing into the early 2030s. The screens will offer movies, TV shows, games, music, and Bluetooth connectivity.
The move marks a significant departure from American's previous approach, which favored passengers using their own devices for entertainment. The airline cited evolving customer preferences, particularly among younger generations who value larger screens and multi-device usage, as a key driver for the change. Advancements in satellite technology, including the planned installation of SpaceX's Starlink service on over 500 narrow-body aircraft starting in 2027, also play a role in enabling a richer in-flight entertainment experience.
In addition to restoring screens, American Airlines is prioritizing premium seating, aiming to increase it from the current 25% to approximately 40% of its narrowbody capacity. This aligns with a broader industry trend where premium cabin revenue is increasingly outperforming main cabin revenue, as seen with competitors Delta Air Lines and United Airlines. American aims to close its profitability gap with these rivals by enhancing its high-end offerings, including partnerships with luxury brands and improvements to airport lounges.