Here’s an Inside Look at American’s New Dreamliners Equipped With Flagship Suites

American Airlines has unveiled, in the flesh, its Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner equipped with brand-new interiors, including the highly anticipated Flagship Suite business class product.

The airline has given the aircraft a unique designation — 787-9P — to distinguish these aircraft from the rest of its Dreamliner fleet. With a premium-heavy configuration, the “P” understandably stands for “premium.”

But it’s not just business class that got a big upgrade on this jet. The new wide-body offers new-and-improved recliner seats in premium economy, Bluetooth-enabled 4K monitors at every seat, power for everybody, and more.

Let’s check out the all-new American Airlines Boeing 787-9P!

A Premium-First Experience

The Boeing 787-9P is American’s most premium-heavy aircraft to date, featuring:

• 51 Flagship Suites in a 1-2-1 layout, including 8 Flagship Suite Preferred seats
• 32 premium economy seats in a 2-3-2 layout
• 161 Main Cabin seats, including 18 Main Cabin Extra seats

“This is a new step — a differentiated aircraft that reflects how we’re evolving the customer experience,” said David Seymour, COO at American Airlines. “We’ve been working on this configuration for over 5 years, and it’s a labor of love.”

The Flagship Suite represents American’s attempt to better compete with Delta One and United Polaris in the all-important long-haul premium market, where it’s fallen behind in recent years due to a lackluster product.

The All-New Flagship Suite Business Class Product

The most significant and exciting feature of the 787-9P is the new Flagship Suite. The new aircraft has 51 of them, including 8 Flagship Suite Preferred seats, which are found in the front row of each of the 2 business class sections. They offer significantly more space than a regular Flagship Suite, along with distinct (and more upscale) finishes, and more.

All Flagship Suites feature:

• Sliding privacy doors
• Chaise lounge-style reclining seats that recline to a fully flat position
• Wireless charging pads and Bluetooth connectivity
• Plush Nest bedding, including a dual-sided pillow with cool-touch fabric

The seat controls allow passengers to sit upright for takeoff and landing, lounge, or lie completely flat for sleeping. There are separate adjustments available for the backrest and footrest.

“This configuration gives you that in-between recline we’ve all wanted,” said Andrea Koos, public communications manager at American Airlines. “You don’t have to be flat or upright — it’s more like how you’d lounge at home watching a movie.”

The suite design exudes muted luxury, with a palette of soft greys and aluminum metal accents. Small reading lamps and soft footwell illumination provide subtle and adjustable lighting.

Flexible seating is available in all Flagship Suite seats, but only the Preferred suites have upgraded bedding. The Preferred mattress pad is almost impossibly cushy and soft for how thin it is. Pajamas and larger amenity kits are also exclusive to the Preferred seats. These seats feature up to 19% more bed space and 42% more space in the living area.

Each Flagship Suite features a 17-inch Thales AVANT 4K touchscreen monitor with crisp resolution and fast navigation. It can be controlled by touch or using a wired handheld remote in the armrest, which also features a USB-C port and headphone jack.

Storage in the suite is thoughtfully laid out:

• A shelf sized for a smartphone features a recessed wireless charging pad.
• Below the console, a closed cubby holds personal items.
• The side wall of the console features a dedicated water bottle holder.
• Beneath the footwell is additional storage for shoes or a laptop bag.

Premium Economy and Main Cabin Upgrades

Seats in the premium economy cabin also received a meaningful revamp. Each seat feels polished and semi-private with a winged headrest in a 2-3-2 layout. Each seat is 19 to 19.5 inches wide and offers 38 inches of pitch.

Each of these 32 seats now features:

• Headrest wings for added privacy
• Adjustable calf and footrests
• Wireless charging pads
• USB-C port
• AC power
• Bluetooth connectivity
• Water bottle and personal storage
• Large tray table with enough surface area for a laptop and a beverage

Heather Garboden, American Airlines chief customer officer, described premium economy as “a recliner in the sky,” with finishes and functionality that align with the carrier’s customer-first redesign.

Main Cabin retains its familiar 3-3-3 configuration, but introduces tech and comfort upgrades, including Bluetooth connectivity throughout the aircraft and satellite-based Wi-Fi free for AAdvantage members.

Each Main Cabin seat has:

• A 13.3-inch 4K touchscreen monitor with Bluetooth headphone pairing
• Power outlets and USB ports
• Sturdy tray tables

Standard economy seats have 31 inches of pitch, which is consistent with what’s offered on other Dreamliners. Main Cabin Extra seats, meanwhile, have 34 inches of pitch. Standard economy seats offer more width — 16.5 to 17.6 inches, while Main Cabin Extra seats have a more generous 17.6-inch width.

In addition to Bluetooth connectivity, Main Cabin seats have power at every seat and 4K monitors.

Our favorite section of the Main Cabin sits between Premium Economy and the rest of Main Cabin. This mini-cabin features 2 rows of seats on each side and 3 rows in the middle.

New Amenity Kits and Skincare Partnership

American has also evolved its soft product strategy. Joanna Vargas-designed amenity kits feature hand and body lotion safe for use on the face, as well as a rosewater facial mist.

“Misting your face to feel refreshed is way healthier than grabbing another coffee,” said Joanna Vargas. “It’s one of those touches that makes flying special — a different experience for everyone in a really thoughtful way.”

Routes and Rollout

The 787-9P makes its debut on June 5, flying from Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and then on the same day from Chicago to London Heathrow (LHR).

Flights from Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) to London and Zurich (ZRH) begin in August, and flights from Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) to Brisbane (BNE) and Auckland (AKL) take off in October.

American Airlines also plans to retrofit its fleet of Boeing 777-300ER jets, bringing the same Flagship Suite and the rest of its new cabins to even more routes. An altered version of the Flagship Suite will also appear on the airline’s new Airbus A321XLR narrow-body jets later this year.

Final Thoughts

American Airlines means business with its latest cabin offerings. The all-new Flagship Suites will certainly help it better compete with its rivals Delta and United in the premium market, and upgrades to the premium economy and economy cabins will surely be welcomed by passengers.

While you won’t find over-the-top bar lounges or spa-like luxury, the 787-9P delivers where it counts across every class, offering privacy, tech, and comfort for the long haul.