American Airlines has taken another step in its fleet retrofit program that will add more premium seats to the Airbus A319 and A320 aircraft, and also includes updating cabin interiors and onboard amenities.
The airline said the first retrofitted aircraft will enter service this summer. Under the new configuration, the Airbus A319 will feature 12 premium seats, while the larger A320 will offer 16. Both aircraft types will receive redesigned cabins with larger overhead bins, new lighting systems, power outlets at every seat and updated interior finishes.
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The premium cabin seats will include privacy wings, additional storage areas and larger tray tables. Passengers throughout the aircraft will also have access to USB-C charging ports.
The program follows similar upgrades already introduced on newer aircraft entering the fleet, including the Boeing 787-9 and Airbus A321XLR.
American has increasingly added premium seats to its aircraft, targeting business travelers and passengers willing to pay for additional comfort on domestic and short-haul international routes.
Cabin interior of a retrofitted American Airlines Airbus A319/A320 | American Airlines 
Cabin interior of a retrofitted American Airlines Airbus A319/A320 | American Airlines 
Cabin interior of a retrofitted American Airlines Airbus A319/A320 | American Airlines 
Bin of a retrofitted American Airlines Airbus A319/A320 | American Airlines
The refurbishment program also extends the useful life of aircraft that have been in service for many years. Most of American's A319s and A320s were delivered between the late 1990s and early 2010s, making cabin upgrades a less costly alternative to replacing aircraft outright.
The strategy has gained importance across the industry due to the longer delivery timelines for new aircraft from Airbus and Boeing. Many carriers have responded by investing in cabin refurbishments, maintenance programs and fleet extensions while awaiting additional aircraft.
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American also plans to introduce Starlink satellite connectivity on the retrofitted A319 and A320 fleets beginning in 2027. In the meantime, the aircraft will continue operating with the airline's recently introduced free Wi-Fi service for AAdvantage members.
The carrier expects to increase the number of lie-flat seats available on international routes by more than 50% by the end of the decade through a combination of new aircraft deliveries and widebody cabin retrofits.
