Within the American Airlines fleet, the Boeing 787 Dreamliner is part of the backbone of the carrier’s long-haul operations. The airline operates a total of 37 Boeing 787-8, the world’s largest operator of that type alone. What is more interesting is the premium heavy 787-9, of which airlines are increasingly looking to get more bang for their buck with premium travelers.
According to ch-aviation, American Airlines operates at least 11 of the 787-9 with its 244-seat configuration, which provides 51 Business, 32 Premium Economy, 18 Economy Plus, and 143 Main Cabin seats. This year, AA is deploying what it calls its 787-9P on five routes, all to 
London Heathrow Airport (LHR). This article will specifically look at the 787-9 premium configured jet with 244 seats, not the entire AA fleet of aircraft.
American Airlines 787P Premium Heavy Aircraft
Looking at data from Cirium, an online aviation analytics company, American Airlines started flying the 787-9 premium heavy configuration last May, and the trend of premium heavy airliner comes from renewed demand for elevated travel experiences, and the desire for travelers to spend a little more on travel for improved comfort.
Between May and September this year, data shows that American will deploy its premium heavy 787s on its routes to and from the British capital, London, where up to three daily services are offered with the 244-seat configured airplane. The most popular route with this type is between 
Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) and Heathrow, with up to three daily services with this aircraft.
From | To | Frequency | Aircraft |
|---|---|---|---|
Chicago (ORD) | London (LHR) | Three x daily | Boeing 787-9 (244 seat configuration) |
Premium Density Configuration On Flights To London Heathrow
Keeping in mind that American Airlines operates the Boeing 777-300ER, 777-200ER, 787-8, and 787-9 in other configurations, the most popular route for the 787-9P remains from Chicago. The second most popular route is tied between 
New York JFK Airport (JFK) to London, and 
Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) to London, where both city pairs see the 787-9P fly double daily.
From | To | Frequency | Aircraft |
|---|---|---|---|
New York (JFK) | London (LHR) | Two x daily | Boeing 787-9 (244 seat configuration) |
Philadelphia (PHL) | London (LHR) | Two x daily | Boeing 787-9 (244 seat configuration) |
Los Angeles (LAX) | London (LHR) | Daily | Boeing 787-9 (244 seat configuration) |
Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) | London (LHR) | Daily | Boeing 787-9 (244 seat configuration) |
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and 
Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) also feature in this analysis and round out the five routes scheduled by American to operate with the 787-P. All of these routes the airline sees direct competition from other carriers such as United Airlines, 
Delta Air Lines, British Airways, and Virgin Atlantic (competition varies by city pair).
Just 244 Seats: Where American Airlines Is Flying Its Very High-Premium Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner
It has eight international and three domestic routes through February.
Life Onboard The American Airlines 787-9P
The premium heavy 787-9P has been designed to maximize revenue by catering more to premium passengers, who, as a result, pay more for their ticket. The jet has its Flagship Suite seats, Premium Economy seats, and Main Cabin Extra offers slightly more legroom than the usual Main Cabin ticket.
These premium heavy aircraft yield higher revenue for American, and the shift is part of a broader strategy by the airline to prioritize premium seating across its fleet. For passengers, the premium heavy configuration is currently targeted at routes to London. Those located in the business class Flagship Suite seats can enjoy a sliding privacy door and chaise lounge seat position, while those located in the front row of the business cabin are designated Flagship Suite Preferred, which has additional storage.
Premium Economy travelers enjoy a 38-inch seat pitch, with adjustable leg and calf rests, while sitting back and relaxing, watching a 13.3-inch entertainment screen, and wireless charging ports. All up, the airliner caters for 244 passengers, which is marginally lower than older 787-9 models, to cater to the higher tier seating layout. Since commencing operations with the type last year, this has positioned AA to better compete with other major US carriers such as Delta and United, who wwerealready offering more premium capacity on their respective aircraft.
