American will install more premium economy seats on 777-200s
American Airlines is replacing a sizeable chunk of the economy-class seats on its 777-200 aircraft with fewer but pricier premium economy seats.
The airline is imposing a standard seating regime on its fleet of 67 777-200s, ripping out 40 main cabin economy seats in favor of 24 premium economy seats, which are wider and have more legroom.
American’s Premium Economy ticket includes special amenities with seats behind Flagship, Business or First:
- 777-300s
- 787-9s
- A330-200s
- Select 777-200s flying internationally and to Hawaii
The Premium Economy seats featured now have a pitch of 35 to 36 in. and are 17 in. wide. The new seats will have a pitch of 38 in. and will be 19 in. wide, now only available in AA’s Boeing 787-9s and select 777-200s.
American Airlines officials say travelers have proven willing to pay for the roomier seats. Standardization of the fleet also will make it easier for American to replace like-for-like aircraft when a flight gets canceled.
The refit of the 777-200 aircraft is expected to be completed by December 2018.