The carrier will add free connectivity to 138 long-haul jets, extending AT&T-sponsored service launched last month to Boeing 777 and 787 fleets.
American Airlines will bring free Wi-Fi to passengers flying its Boeing 777 and 787 aircraft, extending complimentary connectivity to international routes less than two months after rolling out the service domestically.
Internal discussions at the Fort Worth, Texas-based carrier revealed plans to equip all 138 widebody jets with the AT&T-sponsored offering, according to View From The Wing. The initiative would eliminate connectivity fees on flights where satellite technology drives higher costs than domestic air-to-ground systems.
No official announcement has been made, but employee meetings indicate the carrier is advancing beyond its January launch, which which positioned American as offering free Wi-Fi across more aircraft than any global competitor
The expansion addresses a competitive disadvantage. While Delta Air Lines and JetBlue have provided complimentary connectivity on many routes, American charged passengers between $10 and subscription rates until last month’s rollout. The January program, however, excluded long-haul aircraft.
American’s widebody operations span 47 Boeing 777-200s averaging 25.2 years in service, 20 newer 777-300ERs at 12 years, 37 Boeing 787-8s at 7.7 years, and 34 Boeing 787-9s at 5.8 years, according to Planespotters.net data. These jets handle the carrier’s transcontinental and international network.
Satellite connectivity costs substantially more than the terrestrial technology used on narrowbody aircraft. American’s AT&T partnership absorbs those expenses through advertising sponsorship rather than passenger fees, though travelers must join the AAdvantage loyalty program to access the service.
The carrier is pursuing broader cabin improvements alongside Wi-Fi expansion, including lounge upgrades and dining partnerships, according to internal communications. These efforts follow investments in premium seating and refurbished interiors on 787-9 and 777-300ER aircraft.
Industry data shows airlines offering free connectivity record higher passenger engagement, improved satisfaction scores, and increased loyalty program enrollment. Corporate travel buyers increasingly factor connectivity into contract decisions, particularly for international routes where business travelers require sustained access during multi-hour flights.
Free onboard internet also creates revenue opportunities through digital commerce, targeted content delivery, and enhanced operational messaging to passengers. American has lagged competitors in these digital amenities despite physical cabin upgrades.
The timing remains unspecified, but discussions signal American’s strategy has shifted from whether to implement free long-haul Wi-Fi to determining deployment logistics across its international fleet.
Key Takeaways
- American Airlines is extending free, AT&T-sponsored Wi-Fi to all 138 widebody Boeing 777 and 787 aircraft operating international routes.
- The expansion follows January’s domestic rollout and addresses American’s competitive gap with Delta and JetBlue on complimentary connectivity.
- Satellite technology required for oceanic flights costs significantly more than domestic air-to-ground systems, with AT&T sponsorship covering expenses.Internal employee discussions revealed the plans, though no official timeline or public announcement has been issued by the carrier.
