American Airlines has released the first pictures inside their new 787 and announced which routes that the airline plane will fly starting this May!!
On initial review of the first few pictures I must admit the airplane looks quite nice and continues to raise the bar in travel standards from North American based airlines. The new premium cabin features updated amenities which include do not disturb lights, touch screen automated controls, and more!
Arranged in a two-class cabin configuration, American’s 787-8 features 28 fully lie-flat Business Class seats arranged in a 1-2-1 configuration. The custom-designed forward-and rear-facing seats provide direct-aisle access for every Business Class customer for more mobility throughout the cabin. The aircraft is equipped with satellite Wi-Fi capability to keep customers connected while traveling internationally. The premium cabin also features inflight entertainment selections on a 15.4-inch HD Panasonic touchscreen monitor positioned in each seat. Business Class customers will also be offered Bose® QuietComfort® Acoustic Noise Cancelling® headphones and ear buds. Each seat is equipped with universal AC power outlets and a USB jack.
Notice in the business class cabin, the seats are both forward and rear facing, similar to the redesign on the 777-200. The head rests of each seat look quite close to one another, but unless you’re a giant, I am sure you won’t see more then the hairline of the person next to you!
In addition, each seat offers two power ports to keep all your electronic devices fully charged, and a cubby-hole for your passport or smaller items. Unlike the 77W the cubby does not have a door with build in mirror, but I think this could be because AA learned their lesson with flimsy doors that often break and instead chose a more durable design for the 787. Each suite, also appears to have a do not disturb light next to each passenger’s head, which triggers to flight attendants not to wake passengers up unless necessary. The new seats look quite comfortable and very well designed!
I am just curious what the walk up bar will look like? Similar to the 77W or something nicer?
AA 777 bar
The back of the plane looks more typical of the new AA economy class and on par with the updated 772 and 77Ws and even the A321s and A319s the airline has ordered recently.
The Main Cabin will be outfitted with 48 Main Cabin Extra seats in a 3-3-3 configuration, offering customers up to six inches of additional legroom, and 150 Main Cabin seats also arranged in a 3-3-3 configuration. Every seat offers a 9-inch HD Panasonic touchscreen monitor with an assortment of movies, TV programs, games and audio selections. Each Main Cabin seat is also equipped with universal AC power outlets and a USB jack.
Nine across on the 787 is a little tight, but it is the industry standard. Nothing revolutionary here, but the updated product offering with inseat entertainment will be a fantastic addition!
787 Routes
The AA 787 will be deployed on legacy AA domestic routes with Dallas to Chicago receiving the airplane first. There is currently no public knowledge of the plane flying between other AA hubs before starting international service in June.
The 787 initially will be deployed between Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) and Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) beginning May 7, before launching internationally between DFW and Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) beginning June 2. The new aircraft will also operate between DFW and Ministro Pistarini International Airport (EZE) in Buenos Aires beginning June 4. Customers can start booking 787 flights beginning Saturday, Feb. 14. American will deploy the 787 to additional markets in 2015 as it takes delivery of new aircraft.
Currently the 787 is not loaded into the system, and even Expertflyer does not show it on routes between DFW and ORD on or after May 7, 2015.
DFW-PEK also shows a 777 instead of the 787 on 6/2/15
I would expect these to be updated on 2/14 per the news release
The long wait is finally over! We now know the routes and dates the AA 787 will take to the Skies! What are your thoughts? Do you like the look of the AA 787? I personally am very happy with the plane, and it appears to be nicer than the United 787 which I flew in business Class. As UA premium cabin is 2x2x2 instead of 1x2x1, and all aisle access makes for a MUCH better flying experience!
