American Airlines is set to debut its premium Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, known as the 787P (Premium), with the first commercial flight scheduled for June 5. Ahead of this launch, media representatives were given exclusive tours of the aircraft at Dallas Fort Worth, showcasing the jet’s luxurious new interiors and features.
However, a surprising development has emerged: the flight attendants assigned to operate this advanced aircraft have reportedly not been granted the same opportunity to familiarize themselves with the plane before service begins. Sources reveal that many crew members have yet to receive comprehensive service training, with some saying they have not even toured the aircraft prior to their first shifts.
This lack of preparation raises concerns, given that the 787P marks American Airlines’ most significant onboard upgrade in years. It introduces a radically new Flagship business class suite layout, featuring 51 enclosed seats with sliding doors, including four spacious Flagship Preferred Suites offering enhanced privacy and storage.
The aircraft’s design also involves a much denser seating arrangement, requiring flight attendants to adapt to new working practices, especially within smaller galley spaces where meals and drinks are prepared. According to insiders who spoke with aviation commentator XJonNYC on social platforms X and Bluesky, flight attendants will not receive tours or detailed catering diagrams and service flow instructions until they begin working onboard.
“Expect [the] first few weeks of 789P operations to be messy, with longer service times in Flagship business class,” one source warned.
American Airlines has had the 787P in development for years, aiming to enhance the premium passenger experience while maximizing cabin density. This required significant modifications to the Layout of Passenger Accommodations (LOPA), making the 787P a markedly different plane from American’s current Boeing 787 fleet.
In response to crew concerns, the Association of Professional Flight Attendants (APFA) issued a memo reassuring flight attendants that ground staff would be stationed at airport gates to provide support during the initial rollout. The airline has also prepared an aircraft familiarization guide and is encouraging crew to thoroughly review all documentation ahead of service.
Starting June 5, the 787P will operate one domestic route between Chicago O’Hare and Los Angeles, alongside an international flight from Chicago to London Heathrow.
Industry experts expect that the transition to the new aircraft will result in slower service times initially as flight attendants adjust to the cramped galleys and altered workflows. Similar challenges have been seen with other airlines introducing denser premium cabins, such as British Airways’ Airbus A350, which continues to face passenger complaints over slow service years after its introduction.
In fact, American Airlines may implement space-saving measures like removing bread and butter from economy meal trays to compensate for the reduced galley space on the 787P.
Overall, while the 787P promises a premium experience for travelers, it also presents operational challenges that American Airlines and its crew will need time to overcome.
