American Airlines Takes First Step In 777-300ER Interior Overhaul With Aircraft Now On Its Way To Hong Kong For Premium Retrofit

Published on December 10, 2025

American Airlines has taken the first significant step in its plan to overhaul the interiors of its Boeing 777-300ER fleet, with the first aircraft now on its way to Hong Kong for a premium retrofit. This marks the beginning of a comprehensive reconfiguration initiative aimed at upgrading the seating and cabin layout to provide an enhanced, more comfortable flying experience. The retrofit will bring the 777-300ERs in line with the airline’s modernized standards, improving both passenger comfort and operational efficiency for the years ahead.

American Airlines has initiated the reconfiguration of its Boeing 777-300ER fleet as part of “Project Olympus,” marking a major upgrade in its long-haul fleet. The first aircraft to undergo this transformation, N718AN, departed on a ferry flight to Hong Kong on December 7, 2025, to begin its retrofitting process. This aircraft will be fitted with new seats and a revamped interior layout, similar to the airline’s Boeing 787-9 subfleet, aimed at enhancing passenger comfort and increasing capacity. The refurbished 777-300ER is expected to reenter service by spring 2026, as the first aircraft in any retrofit project typically takes longer.

The ambitious “Project Olympus” was first introduced in 2022, with initial retrofits expected to begin in late 2024. However, the project faced delays due to supply chain constraints, with work on the 777-300ERs only starting in December 2025. In total, all 20 of the airline’s Boeing 777-300ERs will undergo the reconfiguration, with the 47 Boeing 777-200ERs to follow later in the decade. The new interior configuration aims to enhance the overall passenger experience while maximizing cabin efficiency.

A key component of these upgrades is the installation of new seating throughout the aircraft. The current Boeing 777-300ER fleet is equipped with various seat models, including Safran first-class suites, Safran Cirrus II reverse herringbone seats in Flagship Business, Collins MiQ seats in premium economy, and Safran 5751 seats in economy. The refurbished aircraft will be outfitted with Adient Ascent reverse herringbone seats in Flagship Suites, complete with privacy doors, as well as Safran Z535i seats for premium economy and Collins Aspire seats for economy. These new seating options are similar to those found on the Boeing 787-9 subfleet, marking a significant upgrade in comfort and privacy.

In addition to the new seating, the cabin layout will be reconfigured to increase capacity. The current 777-300ER configuration includes eight Flagship First suites, 52 Flagship Business seats, 28 premium economy seats, and 216 economy seats, for a total of 304 seats. After the retrofitting process, the aircraft will feature 70 Flagship Suites, 44 premium economy seats, and 216 economy seats, bringing the total seat count to 330. This increase in capacity is made possible by the removal of the Flagship First cabin, which will no longer be available on long-haul international flights. American Airlines’ decision to phase out the first-class cabin represents a significant shift in its cabin offerings for its widebody fleet.

The removal of the Flagship First cabin allows for a more efficient use of space, with redesigned galleys and lavatories. Several lavatories will be removed from the center section of the aircraft, and the galley near the fourth set of exit doors will be downsized. A new lavatory will be added to the rear of the cabin. Overall, the 777-300ERs will lose three lavatories as part of the interior redesign. These changes contribute to a more streamlined and spacious cabin layout, further enhancing the overall passenger experience.

One of the most notable aspects of the retrofit is American Airlines’ decision to discontinue international first class on long-haul routes. While the Flagship First cabin will still be available on the airline’s Airbus A321-200 “321T” subfleet for transcontinental routes, these aircraft will eventually be replaced by the Airbus A321XLR, which will not feature a first-class cabin. The 321T subfleet will be reconfigured to a standard domestic layout, making American Airlines one of the first major U.S. carriers to phase out international first class on long-haul routes.

American Airlines’ move away from international first class aligns with trends in the industry, with other airlines, such as United Airlines and Delta Air Lines, introducing new premium cabins to replace traditional first-class offerings. United, for example, is set to debut a new Polaris business class seat based on the Adient Ascent, while Delta is expected to introduce a new DeltaOne suite in 2026, based on the Thompson VantageNOVA. However, American Airlines is currently leading the U.S. market in terms of business-class innovation with its Flagship Suites, which offer a more private and luxurious experience compared to many of its competitors’ offerings.

Although American Airlines operates several types of business-class seats across its fleet, the new Flagship Suites will represent the most significant upgrade to its widebody aircraft. The 777-300ERs, which are among the airline’s largest and most premium aircraft, will be the first to receive these new cabins. These aircraft also feature some of the oldest interiors in American’s widebody fleet, making them ideal candidates for this extensive refurbishment.

Looking to the future, American Airlines will focus on retrofitting its Boeing 777-200ER fleet, which is expected to receive similar upgrades, including the new cabins and a more premium layout. These retrofits are expected to begin no earlier than 2027. Meanwhile, no specific plans have been announced for retrofitting the Boeing 787 fleet, though the airline’s long-term plans suggest that these aircraft will also eventually receive the updated cabin interiors.

American Airlines has begun its Boeing 777-300ER interior overhaul, with the first aircraft now heading to Hong Kong for a premium retrofit. This upgrade aims to enhance passenger comfort and modernize the cabin for an improved flying experience.

In summary, the retrofitting of American Airlines’ Boeing 777-300ER fleet as part of Project Olympus will provide passengers with a more modern, comfortable, and efficient flying experience. With the removal of first-class cabins and the introduction of new business and premium economy seating, the airline is positioning itself for a new era of long-haul travel.