American Airlines to Deploy its 787 with New Flagship Suites to this City

DALLAS- Fort Worth-based American Airlines (AA) is set to launch its Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner equipped with the new Flagship Suite on the Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) to Auckland (AKL) route starting January 5, 2026.

This development represents a major enhancement to the airline’s trans-Pacific offerings connecting the United States and New Zealand, as highlighted by Ishrion Aviation.

American Airlines 787-9P to Auckland

The premium-configured 244-seat 787-9 will run on a daily schedule, reinforcing American’s growing presence in the South Pacific while complementing its upcoming service to Brisbane (BNE). The flights will be operated under the numbers AA035 (DFW to AKL) and AA034 (AKL to DFW).

American Airlines aims to enhance its long-haul service by deploying its next-generation Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner with Flagship Suites on vital intercontinental routes.

From January 5, 2026, the Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) to Auckland (AKL) service will highlight this upgraded aircraft, featuring lie-flat Flagship Suite seating in business class, privacy doors, and enhanced amenities tailored for long-haul passengers.

• Flight AA035 is scheduled to depart DFW at 22:30 and arrive in AKL at 09:10 two days later.
• The return flight, AA034, leaves Auckland at 13:20 and reaches Dallas at 08:05 the same day, operating daily.

This initiative fortifies American’s South Pacific network, particularly in anticipation of the imminent launch of services to Brisbane (BNE), providing seamless access to both Australian and New Zealand gateways.

Strategic Adjustments for CES 2026 and European Summer

In light of the heightened demand surrounding CES 2026 in Las Vegas (LAS), American Airlines has introduced limited-time international flights, which include:

• Seoul Incheon (ICN) to Las Vegas (LAS): Outbound flights on January 3, 4, and 5; return flights on January 9, 10, and 11.
• Las Vegas (LAS) to London Heathrow (LHR) and Tokyo Narita (NRT): Daily flights operated from January 2–11 using the Boeing 777-200ER.

Moreover, American is advancing its European summer schedule:

• Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) – Barcelona (BCN): Resumes on February 12, 2026, earlier than previously scheduled for March 29, with the initial service operated by a 787-8, transitioning to a 777-200ER from March 8.
• New York JFK – Barcelona (BCN): The planned service extension for winter 2025 has been canceled.

Other Changes

South America Network Realignments

The airline is modifying its South American services for the Northern Winter 2025/26 season, as reported by Aeroroutes. Significant updates comprise:

• Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) – Rio de Janeiro (GIG): Now commencing December 18, 2025, with six weekly operations on 787-8 aircraft and daily service starting December 31.
• Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) – Santiago de Chile (SCL): Seasonal service resumes on October 26, 2025, using a 777-200ER in place of the previously scheduled 787-8.
• Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) – São Paulo Guarulhos (GRU): Weekly flight frequency increases to 10 (7x 787-9 and 3x 787-8) from December 19 through February 8, 2026.

Miami and Philadelphia Long-Haul Updates

American has executed noteworthy seasonal aircraft swaps and service adjustments on routes originating from Miami (MIA) and Philadelphia (PHL):

• Miami (MIA) – Barcelona (BCN): Operates with a 787-8 from October 26, 2025, to February 10, 2026, replacing the previously planned 777-200ER.
• Miami (MIA) – Buenos Aires Ezeiza (EZE): Peak season service increases to 4x daily with added flights (AA982/983) from December 3 to February 11.
• Miami (MIA) – Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG): Resumes on December 18, 2025, via daily 787-8 service.
• Miami (MIA) – São Paulo Guarulhos (GRU): Adjusted aircraft mix will consist of a combination of 777-200ER, 777-300ER, and 787-8 from October 26, 2025.
• Philadelphia (PHL) – Lisbon (LIS): Operated by a 787-9 from November 3 to 17, 2025, superseding the typical 787-8.

Stay connected with us for further updates. Additionally, follow us on social media for the latest news and information.

Join us in our Telegram Group for the Latest Aviation Updates, and stay updated via our Google News channel.