American Airlines will introduce a new fare class on its
international widebody fleet in late 2016.
The airline’s Premium Economy section will feature 38 inches of
legroom, which is up to six inches more than what main cabin seats have. In
addition, Premium Economy passengers will enjoy wider seats, on-demand
entertainment, priority check-in and boarding, two-free checked bags, upgraded
meals and complimentary spirits, beer and wine. The seats will be located
directly behind business class, separated from the main cabin economy section.
AA will launch the service on its Boeing 787-9 aircraft, offering
three rows (21 total seats) in Premium Economy. The new fare
class will be added to all of AA’s Boeing 777-300ERs, 777-200Ers and 787-8s
over the next three years, the carrier said.
American’s announcement comes slightly more than a month
after company President Scott Kirby said during an earnings call that the airline
would soon be announcing new differentiated fare classes.