American Airlines told investors that 30% of its seats generate half its revenue and plans to increase premium seating by roughly 50% before the decade ends. The push includes a 70-suite business-class cabin on Boeing 777-300ER aircraft.
American also plans to reconfigure its 787-8 and 777-200 fleets. The article says the changes could raise revenue per aircraft if demand holds, but Delta, United, JetBlue and lower-cost carriers are also adding premium products. Retrofits require capital, take planes out of service during installation and reduce economy seats available for sale.
