American Airlines (AAL), the world’s largest carrier, is planning a series of inflight upgrades as it tries to win back customers who abandoned it during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Texas-based airline says it is considering adding seatback screens to its narrow-body planes, as well as free Wi-Fi internet service.
American Airlines is in active discussions with Elon Musk’s SpaceX and Amazon (AMZN) about providing in-flight Wi-Fi to travelers.
American Airlines is also talking with Amazon about providing inflight content, which could include Amazon Prime, music, and e-commerce shopping where customers can use travel miles for purchases.
While nothing has been finalized, the steps by American Airlines are aimed at winning back customers and boosting the carrier’s financial results and share price.
American has lost ground to rivals Delta Air Lines (DAL) and United Airlines (UAL) coming out of the pandemic.
Airlines are increasingly chasing premium seat sales and offering extras to customers willing to pay for them.
United and Delta currently offer free Wi-Fi internet service on their flights. American removed seat-back screens from its narrow-body aircraft a decade ago to save money.
AAL stock has declined 53% in the last five years, including a 30% drop so far this year. The carrier’s shares are currently trading at $10.71 U.S.
