dailynewsnblog
American Airlines is awaiting the arrival of its first Boeing 777-300ER that has been retrofitted with Flagship Suites, to touch down as it is ferried back from 
Hong Kong International Airport (HKG). The plane, at the time of writing, according to flight data, is currently over the skies of the western USA, with an expected arrival time of 4:58 PM local time.
The new configuration of the plane will include a total of 70 Flagship Suites, 44 premium economy recliners, and another 216 economy seats. The plane waves goodbye to the eight-seat Flagship first cabin, which has been phased out, opting for the Flagship Suites, which are the airline’s elevated business-class product.
A Ferry Flight Which Will Change The Way You Fly On The 777-300ER
The delivery flight departed from Hong Kong on August 13. Initially set to depart at 2:40 PM, the plane was marginally delayed and eventually pushed back from the gate at 3:16. The total flight time to 
Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) is around 14 and a half hours, and it is expected to arrive in the Lone Star State this evening after the 8,123-mile (13,072 km) voyage. The aircraft, which carries registration N718AN, is 13 years old, with further aircraft characteristics in the table below as per ch-aviation:
Registration | N718AN |
|---|---|
Serial Number (MSN) | 41665 |
Hex Code | A999D2 |
Plane Age | 13.7 years |
First Flight Date | November 15, 2012 |
Delivery Date | December 19, 2012 |
American is sending all 20 of its 777-300ERs gradually to Hong Kong for retrofit through the Hong Kong Aircraft Engineering Company, a specialist in maintenance and aircraft retrofit, as part of the carrier’s Project Olympus. The refit will see the carrier eliminate the old first class cabin, and instead install 70 new business class Flagship Suites.
The carrier sent the aircraft out to Hong Kong in December, where the plane has undergone an extensive refit with new seats that are identical to those seen on the 787-9P subfleet. The aircraft is poised to enter service by the spring.
Where Will The Aircraft Fly First?
It remains unclear where American plans to deploy the retrofitted aircraft first, and as analysed by Simple Flying, it could be expected to see the plane scheduled on flagship routes from Dallas/Fort Worth to the likes of London Heathrow (LHR). AA maintains three daily flights from DFW to LHR. Domestically, another option would be its service to New York (JFK).
For passengers onboard, they will enjoy the refurbishment, which sees a significant upgrade to the passenger experience. Larger entertainment screens in all cabins, privacy wings for premium economy, while business will see privacy doors. Eight Flagship Preferred Suites are also featured in the front row of the cabin, which offer even more space for travelers.
These changes will position the 
oneworld carrier head-to-head not just with US competitors United and Delta, but also against other legacy carriers. It is no trade secret that American has trailed United and Delta for a while when it comes to consistency and competitiveness of its premium cabins. This refit will close that gap, with the first 777-300ER now on its way to Dallas, and will be closely watched for when it enters commercial service.
What To Expect In Flagship Suites
Onboard, travelers will enjoy the airline’s new modern and fully enclosed business class seat, which, onboard the widebody, is configured in a 1-2-1 layout. The airline has already introduced it on the Boeing 787-9 and Airbus A321XLR, and compete with other top international business classes onboard other carriers.
The technology includes Bluetooth audio pairing, wireless charging pads, a 17-inch 4K touchscreen seatback entertainment screen, and USB-C or USB-A ports. The fully lie-flat seating is complemented by mood lighting and personal storage compartments. These seats will offer around 19% more bed surface and a 42% larger living area when compared to the previous offering.
American is planning to retrofit all 20 of its 777-300ERs with the new onboard configuration, as the airline looks to replace the old international first-class cabin. The Project Olympus, as it is colloquially named, is all about the aircraft having a cabin interior refresh.
