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American Airlines to Restore Seatback Screens and Expand Premium Seating to Close Profit Gap

American Airlines is launching a major cabin overhaul to restore seatback entertainment screens and increase premium seating across its narrowbody fleet. The carrier plans to equip more than 800 narrowbody aircraft with 4K displays, Bluetooth connectivity, and USB-C charging, reversing a decade-long strategy that relied on passengers using personal devices. Heather Garboden, American's chief customer officer, stated that customer preferences have evolved, particularly among younger travelers who desire larger screens alongside their own devices. The airline aims to increase premium seating from 25% to 40% of narrowbody departures to compete with Delta and United, which currently lead in profitability. CEO Robert Isom is overseeing the investment to narrow the profit gap. Retrofits for existing jets and the introduction of new aircraft with built-in screens will begin in 2028, with full completion expected by the early 2030s. The carrier also plans to integrate high-speed Starlink Wi-Fi to create a more personalized in-flight experience.

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