Here’s Where American Airlines Will Deploy Its Boeing 787s Fitted With New Business Class

American Airlines

has received a lot of criticism for falling behind compared to legacy peers Delta Air Lines

and United Airlines

. The Dallas-based carrier has failed to invest in its premium offering to maintain competitiveness, leading to poor financial performance and brand value compared to full-service rivals. However, the carrier seems to be focused on turning itself around.

American is slated to take delivery of the first of several new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners next month. These new aircraft will come equipped with American’s brand-new business class and premium economy hard product, which promises passenger experience enhancements compared to the airline’s existing cabins. An industry watchdog claims that the initial routes to receive this new product will be from Chicago O’Hare International Airport

to Los Angeles International Airport

and London Heathrow Airport

, according to aviation analyst JonNYC as reported by View From The Wing.

American Airlines has a widebody problem

Airlines across the world responded to the challenges of COVID-19 by downsizing their fleets. American is no exception, as the airline retired three aircraft types during the course of the travel demand shock: the Boeing 757, Boeing 767, and Airbus A330. However, in the post-COVID travel boom, these retirements meant American did not have the widebody aircraft necessary to compete with rivals as they capitalized on record long-haul travel demand.

So, the delivery of new Boeing 787s is welcome news for American. In addition to allowing the carrier to increase its presence in critical long-haul markets, these new Dreamliners will feature the airline’s new Flagship Business Class and Premium Economy products.

Designed for a better passenger experience, these new cabins will help American as it competes against Delta and United for premium travelers. In addition to better premium seating options, the new Dreamliners will feature more premium seats. The new 787s will feature 51 business class suites, compared to just 30 on existing 787s.

Meanwhile, the aircraft will have an impressive 32 premium economy seats, up from just 21 on existing models. These premium-heavy aircraft will be delivered soon, and one industry watchdog claims they know which routes American will deploy the new jets on first.

American will first deploy its new 787s on competitive routes

American has not yet officially revealed where these new 787s will fly first, but View From the Wing reported that industry watchdog JonNYC claimed on social media that they knew where the jets will be deployed first. Allegedly, American will start by flying the jet on domestic frequencies between Chicago O’Hare and Los Angeles. Eventually, the aircraft will be deployed between The Windy City and London Heathrow.

Both of these markets are very competitive, partially because American shares its Chicago hub with United Airlines. While historically, the two have been evenly matched, United has pulled ahead in recent years in terms of market share. Los Angeles is also a hub for both carriers, and Delta Air Lines as well. American might think it can better compete with its rivals using its new Flagship product.

London Heathrow is also a competitive market from Chicago, being served by United and British Airways. While British Airways is a partner of American Airlines through oneworld

Alliance, American still might be eager to offer a better product for higher-paying customers on a route so popular for business travelers.

American Airlines was not immediately available for comment, and did not confirm the new Dreamliners’ initial routes, start date, or other details. However, with deliveries imminent, it seems likely the airline will provide more information soon.

As premium products continue to drive airline revenues, American Airlines is likely eager to roll out its new Flagship Business Class and Premium Economy products. It seems the airline might aim for initial launches in competitive markets, specifically where it faces intense rivalry with United Airlines. However, only time will tell where these jets end up first.