American Airlines will install seatback screens at every seat across its narrowbody fleet, reversing a long-standing strategy that relied on passengers’ own devices for inflight entertainment. The rollout starts with new Airbus and Boeing deliveries in 2028 and will extend to retrofits of existing aircraft, with work continuing into the early 2030s from the carrier’s Fort Worth, Texas, base.
The programme covers more than 800 aircraft and is part of a broader cabin refresh that includes more premium seating, larger 4K displays, Bluetooth audio pairing and USB-C charging. American already offers seatback screens on more than 140 long-haul aircraft, but its narrowbody jets have largely lacked built-in entertainment for nearly a decade.
The move is aimed at narrowing the gap with Delta Air Lines and United Airlines, both of which have invested more heavily in fixed inflight entertainment and premium cabins. American is also seeking to strengthen its position on shorter domestic and Caribbean routes, where narrowbody aircraft make up much of its flying. The airline did not disclose the cost of the programme.