American Airlines is set to make a major transformation across its narrowbody fleet, with the carrier to install state-of-the-art seatback entertainment screens at every seat and significantly expanding its most premium and spacious seating options.

“We’re making one of the most significant investments in the onboard experience in our history,” said American’s Chief Customer Officer Heather Garboden.

“From next-generation seatback entertainment at every seat to substantially more premium seating options, these enhancements will give our customers more ways to relax, stay connected and enjoy their journey.”

She said American is taking that inflight experience even higher by significantly increasing the number of premium and Main Cabin Extra seats across its narrowbody fleet by retrofitting existing aircraft and receiving new aircraft deliveries with premium configurations.

Today, premium seating is approximately 25% of seats on narrowbody departures and in the coming years, that number will grow to approximately 40%, according to Garboden.

At the front of the aircraft, American is currently retrofitting its Airbus A319 and A320 fleets to add an additional row of First Class.

The airline’s upcoming deliveries of the Boeing 737 MAX 10 aircraft will have 24 First Class seats and the A321neo fleet will also be reconfigured to feature additional First Class seats.

American is also adding more Main Cabin Extra seats as part of the retrofitting process, which Garboden said is about “providing even more access to extra legroom, earlier boarding, dedicated overhead bin space and a complimentary beverage”.

The retrofitting also includes refreshed interiors meaning more storage, redesigned seats and enhanced lighting will have customers flying in comfort and style.

American is also going to equip its narrowbody fleet with state-of-the-art seatback screens at every seat on all new Airbus and Boeing aircraft deliveries starting in 2028, as well as on retrofitted aircraft.

These new installations will build on the more than 140 long-haul aircraft that feature seatback screens today, according to the carrier.

The next-generation platform offers stunning picture quality, seamless connectivity and will enable new personalized content for a premium customer experience.

The new screens will be among the largest displays offered on narrowbody aircraft in North America with large-format premium displays, according to American, and they will offer 4K viewing, offering brilliant colour, contrast and clarity for immersive viewing in the sky.

There will be access to a broad selection of movies, TV, music, games and content with the opportunity to introduce new experiences and partnerships, according to the carrier.

American will also offer a personalized entertainment experience, tailored movie and show recommendations and interactive, enhanced flight maps with destination information and real-time flight insights.

Impressively, the carrier is also adding USB-C fast charging ports and Bluetooth audio connectivity.

According to the carrier, American will roll out the new displays as quickly as possible, with full fleet installation expected to be complete by early next decade.