What's Happening?
American Airlines has announced plans to retrofit its dual-class regional jets with updated interiors as part of its strategy to expand premium offerings. The upgrades will include new seat coverings, in-seat power, and the continued rollout of onboard satellite Wi-Fi. The retrofits will affect American Eagle-branded Bombardier CRJ-700, CRJ-900, Embraer 170, and 175 aircraft. The airline has already received several aircraft with the new interiors and plans to complete the retrofits in phases over the coming years. Additionally, American is collaborating with Embraer to design larger overhead bins for its larger regional jets.
Why It's Important?
This initiative by American Airlines reflects a broader industry trend towards enhancing passenger experience, particularly in premium segments. By aligning the interiors of its regional jets with its mainline aircraft, American aims to attract more premium customers, which is a lucrative market segment. The investment in upgraded interiors and amenities is expected to meet growing consumer demand for enhanced travel experiences. This move could strengthen American's competitive position in the regional market and potentially increase its market share among business travelers and premium customers.
What's Next?
American Airlines plans to continue investing in its fleet, including a new premium-heavy configuration for its Boeing 787-9s. The airline's CEO, Robert Isom, has indicated that these adjustments will allow the company to serve nearly 50% more premium customers by 2030. The airline's focus on premium offerings is likely to influence its future fleet and service strategies, potentially leading to further innovations in customer experience.
