UNITED STATES—American Airlines is preparing to upgrade its
in-flight entertainment systems with the return of individual seatback screens
on its aircraft.
The airline had reduced its use of integrated screens for
years, partly due to the growth of entertainment via personal devices. However,
the company is once again betting on this system as part of its aircraft
modernization and its strategy to improve the in-flight experience.
The new screens will allow passengers to access movies, TV
shows, music, and other content directly from their seats, without relying
exclusively on phones, tablets, or computers.
The return of the screens is part of a trend among major
U.S. airlines, which are seeking to offer a more complete onboard experience
and differentiate their services through new technologies and entertainment
options.
American Airlines plans to incorporate these improvements
gradually across its fleet, so system availability will depend on the aircraft
type and route.