American Airlines Flagship livery returns on 777-300ER

Published on Oct 16, 2025, 12:47 pm CDT

3 min read

Key points

Retro Flagship livery debuts on a 777-300ER in November.
N735AT will carry the centennial paint, named Flagship DFW.
777-300ER refit adds 70 suites and 44 premium economy seats.
Design revives Silver Eagle and orange lightning bolt motif.
Expect appearances on long-haul routes from major AA hubs.

Impact

Who: travelers booking premium cabins on American's Boeing 777-300ER flights from Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) and other hubs
When: November 2025 onward, with broader 777-300ER refits beginning in 2026
Level: Moderate
Action: Watch for tail number N735AT and the Flagship Suite refit when choosing flights

American Airlines will roll out a retro-inspired Flagship livery on a Boeing 777-300ER in November, a nod to the brand's first passenger flights as it heads into its 2026 centennial. The special scheme will appear on aircraft N735AT and pairs a classic palette with modern touches, previewing a broader program to refresh the 777-300ER fleet with a higher-end interior built around the Flagship Suite business class.

American Airlines and the centennial Flagship livery

The airline's new paint revives its Silver Eagle base color and the orange lightning bolt motif that first appeared nearly 90 years ago, then layers in a contemporary treatment of the eagle roundel. In a further throwback, the jet will be named Flagship DFW in honor of Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), the carrier's largest hub. American says the design celebrates the premium Flagship experience in the air and on the ground while looking ahead to its next century of service.

Latest developments

American selected a Boeing 777-300ER for the debut because that fleet is next in line for a cabin overhaul. Starting in 2026, each refurbished 777-300ER will feature 70 Flagship Suite seats with privacy doors and chaise-style loungers, plus 44 premium economy seats, bringing the twin-aisle into line with the airline's newest Boeing 787-9 deliveries. The retro jet, registered N735AT, typically flies long-haul missions and is likely to appear on high-demand international routes from hubs such as Dallas Fort Worth and Miami International Airport (MIA) as it rotates through the network.

Analysis

For travelers, the livery is the teaser and the cabin is the payoff. The 777-300ER refit removes first class in favor of more suites, expanding privacy and personal space where demand is strongest. If you want the look and the upgraded seat, watch both the tail number N735AT and aircraft type when shopping fares; American sells the Flagship Suite explicitly on eligible flights, and refurbished 777-300ERs will follow its 787-9 pattern of premium-heavy routes. Miami's long-haul banks and Dallas Fort Worth's Pacific and Atlantic banks are good bets as the airline paces refits through 2026. Travelers connecting through Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) will also see the Flagship ground product expand, aligning with the airborne upgrades as the centennial year unfolds. For broader context on the seat and network direction, see our coverage of the winter Flagship Suite rollout and American's lounge investments at Charlotte: American Airlines Flagship Suite Expands to Three Continents and American Airlines Flagship Lounge Coming to Charlotte.

Final thoughts

The retro Flagship livery is a smart bridge between heritage and hardware. It spotlights American Airlines' Flagship livery while signaling that the 777-300ER, long the backbone of the long-haul schedule, is next to receive the 70-suite layout that defines the carrier's premium strategy.