On an investor call last week, a company official said there are plans to replace first-class seating on some flights with more business-class seating.
FORT WORTH, Texas — American Airlines is considering moving forward with plans to change seats on some flights.
the Airline based in Fort Worth plans to remove first class seating for international flights in favor of more business class seating due to customer demand.
According to several reportsVasu Raja, chief commercial officer of American, addressed those plans during an investor call last Thursday.
“First class will not exist … at American Airlines, for the simple reason that our customers are not buying it,” Raja said.
American later clarified that Raja was referring to international flights when discussing first class changes. The company said it plans to continue to have first-class seating for domestic flights.
News about American’s seating changes began when the company unveiled its new “Flagship Suites” plan in September.
The company described the new suites as a “private retreat in the sky,” with privacy doors, lounge-like seating, personal entertainment centers and even storage space, according to the Dallas Business Journal.
The new seats are expected to arrive with the new Boeing 787-9 and Airbus A321XLR in 2024. The company said it will also upgrade 20 Boeing 777-300ERs with 70 “Flagship Suite” seats and 44 premium economy class seats.
“Removing [first class] we can provide more business class seats, which is what our customers want or are most willing to pay for,” Raja said.
American released its third-quarter earnings report last Thursday. According to the report, the Fort Worth-based company earned $483 million after a busy summer travel season.
The report also showed that revenue hit a quarterly record of $13.46 billion.
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