American cuts Dreamliner luxury seats to offer premium economy

American Airlines is removing eight business-class seats from its Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners as it completes a drive to add a new premium-economy offering on its biggest planes. The first plane is undergoing a retrofit and American expects all 20 of the aircraft to be finished by the middle of next year, spokesman Joshua Freed said. That caps a shift to premium economy on the airline’s wide-body fleet, except aging Boeing 767 and Airbus SE A330-300 planes that American plans to retire soon. Removing some business berths will enable the world’s biggest airline to fill the space with a larger number of premium-economy seats, which are catching on with passengers as a mid-priced option. On average, the new offering commands ticket prices that are about double the level of traditional coach class, the company said in July. “People want it and they’re paying for it,” Freed said. Business class will shrink to 20 seats on the 787-8 jets. Premium economy will have 28. The new offering has wider seats than in coach, with more legroom and foot rests. Other amenities include free entertainment on larger video screens, broader meal choices, amenity kits and a pillow and blanket.<br/>