The Boeing 787-9 At American Airlines: 5 Routes That See Extensive Coverage

Summary

American Airlines will expand its network with 30 premium-configured Boeing 787-9s for long-haul services.
American Airlines is leveraging strategic partnerships, such as its collaboration with Japan Airlines and codeshare agreement with Qatar Airways.
The airline’s investment in premium-configured aircraft highlights its focus on enhancing passenger experience and capturing market share in lucrative long-haul markets.

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American Airlines has 22 Boeing 787-9s in operation (with an average age of 6.5 years), each accommodating 285 passengers in the lie-flat business class, premium economy, extra-legroom economy, and standard economy seating.

These aircraft are utilized for domestic and long-haul international flights, boasting a maximum range of 7,530 nautical miles. The Fort Worth-based airline is set to receive 30 787-9s with premium configurations. Thanks to data provided by Cirium, an aviation analytics company, we can see which routes American Airlines will cover extensively in April 2024 with the Boeing 787-9.

5 Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) – Tokyo Haneda (HND)

American Airlines operates ten flights per week

Seats	8,550
Available Seat Miles (ASMs)	55,250,100

In 2019, American Airlines started this route, being the only US carrier offering first-class service to Japan, with a three-class Boeing 777-300, with eight Flagship First and 52 Flagship Business seats. This route is one of American Airlines’ longest flights, which spans 6,462 miles (10,399 km) and it is also rarely serviced by the Boeing 787-8.

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The new non-stop service will cover more than 8,300 miles.

American Airlines has also secured approval to operate the exclusive nonstop route between New York JFK and Tokyo Haneda, confirming it the sole US carrier on this route. The service will launch on June 28 and will provide increased connectivity between the US and Japan, facilitated by American Airlines’ partnership with Japan Airlines.

This announcement comes after a competitive process in which American Airlines outbid United Airlines for the coveted slot at Haneda Airport. The new route will offer convenient scheduling options for travelers, with up to three daily flights between JFK and HND.

Photo: Lukas Wunderlich | Shutterstock

American Airlines’ Boeing 777-200 aircraft will operate the JFK – HND route, allowing onward connections to Japan and East Asia destinations. This move strengthens American Airlines’ presence in Japan, adding nearly 200,000 route-trip seats annually.

4 Philadelphia (PHL) – Doha (DOH)

This route is exclusively served by American Airlines

Seats	8,550
Available Seat Miles (ASMs)	58,122,900

This route became the third-longest American Airlines route since, after nine years of service, Qatar Airways ended its Doha to Philadelphia route in October 2023. American Airlines took over the route, transferring its New York JFK-Doha flight to Philadelphia.

American Airlines operates this flight with its Boeing 787-9 (285 seats, fewer than Qatar Airways’ 777-300ER). Starting in April, the airline will deploy the Boeing 787-9 daily from PHL to DOH.

American Airlines aircraft at Philadelphia International Airport PHL shutterstock_1373834117

Photo: EQRoy | Shutterstock

This nonstop route connects over 80 North American cities to Doha, allowing travelers to access destinations across America, Africa, and Asia through American’s partnership with Qatar Airways.

American Airlines and Qatar Airways, once fierce rivals, now have the largest codeshare relationship in the airline industry. This agreement allows them to sell seats on each other’s flights, significantly expanding their reach and revenue. About 18% of passengers from Qatar Airways connecting in the Americas now use American Airlines services, and vice versa.

3 Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) – Incheon (ICN)

The route is 6,826.83 mi (10,986.72 km) long

Seats	8,550
Available Seat Miles (ASMs)	58,499,100

American Airlines launched its Dallas to Seoul Incheon route in October 2012, which began operations in May 2013. The service operates daily and has utilized different aircraft types (including Boeing 787-9, 787-8, and 777-200ER) to accommodate varying demands throughout the year. Erwan Perhirin, the Asia-Pacific Vice President of American Airlines at the time, emphasized the significance of the Korean market and the airline’s commitment to expanding its global flight network with the introduction of this route.

A Passenger aiding robot at Seoul Incheon Airport. Photo: Bandersnatch | Shutterstock

The direct distance covered is approximately 11,011 km (6,842 miles). The average duration for outbound flights is around 14 hours, while inbound flights typically take about 12 hours.

In January 2024, oneworld, a global airline association, inaugurated its alliance-operated lounge at Seoul’s Incheon International Airport, providing a sophisticated space for premium passengers. Inspired by Korean culture, the lounge can accommodate up to 148 customers and offers mood lighting and Korean-themed design. Initially planned for Moscow’s Domodedovo Airport, the lounge relocation to Seoul reflects the airport’s extensive connectivity with oneworld carriers.

American Airlines, British Airways, Testing

2 Philadelphia (PHL) – London Heathrow (LHR)

In May 1982, American Airlines operated its first flight to London

Seats	17,100
Available Seat Miles (ASMs)	60,636,600

London Heathrow serves as American Airlines’ most significant international connecting hub despite the airline’s prominent presence in the United States. American Airlines operates more than 20 flights daily into Heathrow, making it their largest international connecting complex, surpassing even their hubs in Philadelphia, Miami, and Dallas, Fort Worth.

Notably, United Airlines and American Airlines have the largest presence at LHR. American Airlines operated up to 26 daily flights to London Heathrow in the summer of 2023, a record high compared to its previous peak of 23 daily flights. This increase was primarily driven by expanded service from Los Angeles and Charlotte and the reintroduction of service from Seattle.

Aircraft at London Heathrow Airport LHR shutterstock_1588882480

Photo: Finn stock | Shutterstock

American Airlines currently operates more than ten routes to Heathrow, with varying frequencies, using various aircraft types. Despite this growth, American Airlines’ daily departures to Heathrow still trail behind British Airways’ 43 daily flights.

Boeing 777 long haul airliner operated by British Airways taxiing for take off at London Heathrow Airport past tail fins of the company's other aircraft

Which Airlines Have The Biggest Operations At London Heathrow?

The largest UK-based carriers have the most movements at LHR.

1 Chicago O’Hare (ORD) – London Heathrow (LHR)

Chicago O’Hare served nearly 74 million passengers in 2023

Seats	34,200
Available Seat Miles (ASMs)	135,192,600

In September 2023, Chicago O’Hare-London Heathrow ranked fifth place in the World’s Busiest Long-Haul Routes, with 63 weekly departing flights. American Airlines operates four daily flights on the Chicago O’Hare-Heathrow route using Boeing 787-9 aircraft.

Chicago O’Hare International Airport faces delays and cost overruns in its $8.5 billion renovation project, causing skepticism from United and American Airlines regarding proposed cost-cutting measures. Initially scheduled for completion in 2026 but now delayed until 2032 due to pandemic-related setbacks and supply chain issues, the expansion aims to accommodate increasing passenger traffic.

Many American Airlines aircraft parked at gates.

Photo: Markus Mainka | Shutterstock.

American Airlines is advocating for a slowdown or potential halt to the expansion of Chicago O’Hare International Airport due to concerns about rising costs. Despite expressing support for the project, the airline worries about the passengers’ financial burden and is engaged in negotiations with the airport over its global terminal replacement.

Despite a recent decline in ranking, ORD saw growth in passenger numbers in 2023, with forecasts predicting further increases in 2024.

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Chicago O’Hare has grown as the main airport for the city as well as a hub for several airlines.

As American Airlines continues to grow its route network, the Boeing 787-9 will undoubtedly play a central role in connecting passengers worldwide. American Airlines plans to expand its long-haul destinations in 2025 and 2026 by introducing new Boeing 787-9 aircraft, which were initially delayed. Speculation suggests potential new routes to Hong Kong and Singapore, although challenges exist in competing with existing carriers and securing partnerships.

Have you ever flown on an American Airlines Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner? Let us know in the comments below.

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Tags: american-airlines