It is already one of the world’s leading commercial carriers.
But, because the competition never lets up, American Airlines has announced a large-scale overhaul for its fleet – which, it claims, will see passengers enjoy greater comfort, technology and space thanks to a multi-billion dollar investment.
The Texas-based airline has revealed plans for an epic upgrade, which bosses have branded the ‘largest modernisation project in aviation history’.
Luxury additions: American Airlines’ long-haul customers in first, business class or premium economy will get a duvet, pillow, pajamas and slippers from sleep company Casper
The airline’s president, Robert Isom, told Business Traveller that 550 of the company’s narrow-body fleet will be reconfigured to include ‘new seats, new interiors, satellite Wi-Fi, new in-seat power and much larger bins’.
‘It’s going to have thinner and more comfortable seats, satellite Wi-Fi and a world-class library of stored content, videos and shows,’ he said.
‘The fleet is going to continue to get better and better.’
Meanwhile, it will also begin providing passengers with in-flight text messaging – compatible with Apple’s iMessaging function, which will be free of charge to people in both economy and premium-economy upwards.
In addition, from December, long-haul customers in first, business class or premium economy receive a host of sleep-inducing products.
These will include a duvet, pillow, pajamas and slippers, plus a mattress pad and day blanket designed by sleep company Casper.
And relax: Engineers from Casper studied the travel environment for months to better understand the challenges of in-flight snoozing, which inspired the range
Investment: The large-scale upgrade is said to have cost American Airlines billions of dollars
Friendly skies: The extra comfort has been scientifically tested by engineers at the New York City-based Casper
Substance and style: Meanwhile, AA will also begin providing passengers with in-flight text messaging
Engineers from the company studied the travel environment for months to better understand the challenges of in-flight snoozing, which inspired the range.
Now, they hope it will improve in-air comfort and focus on customer experience after spending money and time on its high-profile merger with US Airways.
‘Our mission has always been to create products that help people dream their way to a better life,’ said Philip Krim, Casper co-founder and CEO.
‘In collaboration with American, we are now able to apply our expertise in sleep science to redefine comfort and sleep in flight.’
Home from home: Passengers who treat themselves to a ticket outside of economy will benefit from their own duvet
Dream big: ‘Our mission has always been to create products that help people dream their way to a better life,’ said Philip Krim, Casper co-founder and CEO