American Airlines is adding more premium seats to its Boeing 777-300ER planes used on long-haul routes while phasing out first class. ^[1] American Airlines introduced its first retrofitted Boeing 777-300ER, which replaces international First Class with a larger Flagship Suite business cabin. ^[2] American expects to complete upgrades of all 20 of its 777-300ERs sometime in 2027. ^[3] The revamped aircraft will have 144 premium seats, up from 116 under the current layout, with the total percentage rising to about 44 percent from 38 percent. ^[4] The US carrier said the first retrofitted aircraft will begin commercial service on Wednesday from New York to Buenos Aires. ^[5] American Airlines claimed the retrofitted 777-300ER has 144 premium or extra-legroom seats, more than any aircraft operated by a US airline. ^[6] American Airlines said the retrofitted Boeing 777-300ER offers 70 Flagship Suite seats with privacy doors, additional storage and a chaise-lounge position, plus 44 Premium Economy seats and 30 Main Cabin Extra seats. ^[7]