American Airlines seatback screens to return on narrowbody jets from 2028
American Airlines will add screens and more premium seats to narrowbody aircraft, with retrofits starting in 2028 and completion expected in the early 2030s.
By Maya Lindqvist · Senior Technology Correspondent
3 min read
American Airlines seatback screens are set to return across the carrier’s narrowbody fleet under a cabin overhaul that also expands First Class and extra-legroom seating. The plan matters for travelers, though the first newly delivered aircraft with the screens and the retrofit program are not due to begin until 2028, American Airlines and Reuters reported.
American said it intends to fit every seat on new Airbus and Boeing narrowbody deliveries with entertainment displays from 2028, while modifying aircraft already in service. Reuters reported that more than 800 narrowbody planes are ultimately expected to receive the equipment, with fleetwide installation projected for the early 2030s.
When will American Airlines flights get seatback screens?
Passengers should not expect an immediate change. New aircraft with screens are scheduled to arrive from 2028, and retrofits are also to start that year; American has said the work should finish in the early part of the next decade.
The airline already has seatback entertainment on more than 140 long-haul aircraft, according to American. Reuters also reported that the existing screen-equipped group includes Airbus A321XLR aircraft, distinguishing those planes from the new narrowbody-wide program.
What will the new entertainment system include?
American says the system will have 4K displays, Bluetooth pairing for wireless headphones and USB-C charging at every seat. The carrier also plans personalized movie and show recommendations, interactive flight maps and destination information. Its claim that the displays will rank among the largest on North American narrowbody aircraft has not been independently measured in the announcement.
The shift reverses American’s earlier decision to move away from seatback screens nearly a decade ago and rely on passengers’ own devices. Reuters reported that the airline now cites changed customer preferences and advances in high-speed satellite connectivity as reasons for returning to built-in entertainment. American has not disclosed the cost of the program.
Which aircraft will get more First Class seats?
American said its Airbus A319 and A320 retrofit programs will add one row of First Class. Future Boeing 737 MAX 10 deliveries are planned with 24 First Class seats, while Airbus A321neos will be reconfigured to include more First Class seating.
The airline also plans to add Main Cabin Extra seats to most of its narrowbody fleet. American says premium seating—First Class and other higher-priced options—will rise from about 25% of seats on narrowbody departures today to about 40% in coming years.
The cabin changes form part of American’s effort to win more revenue from higher-spending customers. Reuters reported that premium travelers generated nearly half of American’s ticketed revenue in the second quarter while representing roughly 30% of its seats. Reuters also reported that American trails Delta Air Lines and United Airlines in profitability, putting greater weight on the carrier’s premium-seat strategy.
This story draws on original reporting from CNBC.