OREANDA-NEWS. American Airlines (Nasdaq:AAL) customers will enjoy an additional level of service on the biggest network in the world when American offers inaugural service with Premium Economy seating on its first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner.

The 787-9 will make its debut international flight between Dallas Forth Worth and Adolfo Su?rez Madrid–Barajas Airport (MAD) on November 4. The aircraft will also operate between DFW and S?o Paulo–Guarulhos International Airport (GRU) beginning November 4. Customers can start booking 787-9 flights beginning July 10.

Schedule:  DFW-MAD       MAD-DFW
  Departs DFW at 5:45 p.m.   Departs MAD at 12:20 p.m.
  Arrives at MAD at 9:55 a.m. (next day)   Arrives at DFW at 4:40 p.m.
       
  DFW-GRU   GRU-DFW
  Departs DFW at 7:00 p.m.   Departs GRU at 10:55 p.m.
  Arrives at GRU at 7:05 a.m. (next day)   Arrives at DFW at 5:15 a.m. (next day)


Aircraft Configuration
The 787-9 features:

  • 30 fully lie-flat, all-aisle access Business Class seats arranged in a 1-2-1 configuration
  • 21 Premium Economy seats in a 2-3-2 configuration
  • 27 Main Cabin Extra seats with up to 6 inches of additional leg room in a 3-3-3 configuration
  • 207 Main Cabin seats arranged in a 3-3-3 configuration  

Every seat offers a personal seatback entertainment system with touchscreen, power and USB ports. Wi-Fi provides global coverage for internet access and complimentary live television channels, nearly 300 movies including 48 new releases, TV shows and games. Business Class customers will also be offered Bose® QuietComfort® Acoustic Noise Cancelling® headphones. Additional advanced features on the Dreamliner include larger dimmable windows, improved cabin humidity and enhanced sound quality.

Premium Economy Experience
Customers sitting in Premium Economy will enjoy a leather seat featuring 38 inches of pitch with extendable foot, leg and head rests, personal on-demand entertainment systems and larger touchscreen monitors. When flying international, customers will receive noise reducing headphones and amenity kits, and will enjoy enhanced meal service with complimentary wine, beer and spirits. Premium Economy customers will be able to check one bag free of charge.

“As the first U.S. airline to introduce Premium Economy seating on international flights, we continue to innovate new ways to meet our customers’ expectations with the products and service they value,” said Andrew Nocella, American’s chief marketing officer. “The 787-9 is going to be a fantastic addition to our widebody fleet, with international Wi-Fi and an inflight experience that’s second to none. Our existing widebodies will offer Premium Economy as we retrofit our cabins and continue to elevate the entire travel experience with our $3 billion investment.”

The new International Premium Economy service will launch in November and will be available to select customers before it goes on sale in early 2017.

 

Customer Experience Investment
These improvements are the latest in a long-term investment American is making in the customer experience. This year, American is raising the bar even higher and providing more choices for global travelers.

The airline is investing more than $3 billion in every aspect of the customer travel experience – whether that’s in the airports or in the cabins of the most modern fleet in the industry. The improvements include a refresh of Admirals Club lounges worldwide, a new Flagship Lounge experience in six gateways, an upgraded assortment of complimentary healthy food, adding more all-aisle access, fully lie-flat seats, power outlets, improved food and beverage offerings and more. American is going for great.