American Airlines has announced plans to fit its entire mainline fleet with a new premium economy class product, called Main Cabin Extra.
The new cabin will offer more leg room as well as priority boarding. American plans to begin installation of the product this year, and will eventually add it to all of its existing aircraft. New Boeing 737-800 aircraft being delivered to American will come equipped with Main Cabin Extra seating beginning this autumn. All future aircraft, including its B777-300ERs and B787 Dreamliners will also offer the product.
“Customers traveling in Main Cabin Extra seats will enjoy four to six inches (10-15cm) of extra leg room compared to a standard Main Cabin seat, as well as priority boarding privileges,” said Virasb Vahidi, American’s Chief Commercial Officer. “We continue to provide our customers with choices that enable them to customize their travel on American to be the experience they desire and value.”
Main Cabin Extra seats will be located in the front portion of the economy class cabin, intended to allow easier boarding and disembarking. Top tier members of American’s AAdvantage frequent flyer programme will receive complimentary access to Main Cabin Extra, subject to availability.
For all other passengers, Main Cabin Extra prices will range between US$8 and US$108 per sector, depending on the length of the flight. The new product will be available for purchase from spring 2012 for travel onboard the B777-300ERs. American intends to complete installation of the new product on the majority of its fleet within 18 months.
