American Airlines Ends 777-300ER First Class

American Airlines has formally begun phasing out international First Class with the return of its first retrofitted Boeing 777-300ER after more than half a year in Hong Kong.

After a lengthy absence, N718AN, an American Airlines Boeing 777-300ER, returned to Dallas Fort Worth after its Hong Kong overhaul; it arrived in December 2025.

The programme will remove the eight Flagship First seats to make way for an expanded Business Class and Premium Economy cabin, with the change applying to all Boeing 777-300ERs in the fleet.

During the refurbishment, the premium cabins were overhauled. Now, the return to the United States nine months later will allow final certification work, preparation, and a crew familiarization window to occur before the type can reenter scheduled passenger service.

The length of the reconfiguration highlights the scale of the work required. The 777-300ER, American Airlines’ highest-capacity aircraft, is vital to the carrier’s densest long-haul route, so this latest cabin investment is aimed at supporting that route.

American Airlines Reveals New 330-Seat Cabin

With N718AN’s return, American Airlines is debuting a new 330-seat layout. Inside the aircraft, the U.S. carrier has opted for 70 Flagship Suites, 44 Premium Economy seats and 216 Economy seats. The changes are noticeable in the upper class, ultimately replacing the previous eight-seat First Class cabin

After a 14.5-hour flight from Hong Kong, the aircraft touched down in Dallas. While work will continue on the aircraft as part of Project Olympus, the retrofit aims to immediately enhance comfort with seats identical to those installed on the 787, plus privacy doors and larger screens.

The Flagship Suite Business Class cabin will feature 70 reverse herringbone seats with sliding privacy doors and upgraded premium amenities. Additionally, the forward row of the Flagship Suite will offer preferred seats with additional space and privacy. The U.S. carrier likens this to the lowest equivalent of the now-axed First Class on the Boeing widebody.

Premium Economy seating will increase from 28 to 44 seats, with Safran Z535i seats installed in the cabin. At the back of the cabin, despite changes to the premium cabins, the Economy seat count will remain unchanged at 216.

The 330-seat layout adds 26 seats over the previous configuration, which featured First Class suites. While First Class was a key revenue driver, its eight suites constrained cabin capacity and left the 777-300ER with 304 seats.

American Airlines plans to continue sending its 777-300ERS to Hong Kong Aircraft Engineering over time, where retrofitting will continue. The strategy first announced in 2022 now ensures the complete removal of the First Class product across long-haul services for a more consistent feel.

What Will the Boeing 777-300ER Retrofit Change?

Despite the retrofit programme, American Airlines will remain committed to offering First Class across the remaining 777-300ERs that have not yet entered the modification programme in Hong Kong. However, the number of First Class-equipped Boeing 777s will decline as the retrofits progress.

For passengers, the decision culminates the airline’s efforts to create a more harmonious experience and close the gap with U.S. competitors that have strengthened their premium product.

As First Class is removed, the new private Business Class will bring the 777-300ER closer to the next-generation 787 Dreamliner that American Airlines flies. Commonality and creating a well-regarded experience, regardless of fleet type, are important.

For American Airlines, the programme and retrofit commitment extends beyond just the customer experience. The airline’s decision follows studies on capacity and revenue. By removing First Class, American Airlines can add seats across two premium cabins for a broader range of fares based on route demand, seasonality, and operating costs.

First Class was American Airlines’ highest-value product; however, it also came with operational and commercial constraints. Now, by removing First Class, the U.S. carrier can finally implement a strategy it announced earlier this decade.