FORT WORTH, Texas, Feb. 11, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- American Airlines customers will enjoy a new travel experience on the biggest network in the world when American begins domestic service with the Boeing 787 Dreamliner in May and international service in June.

AMERICAN AIRLINES 787 EXTERIOR

The 787 initially will be deployed between Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) and Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) beginning May 7, before launching internationally between DFW and Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) beginning June 2. The new aircraft will also operate between DFW and Ministro Pistarini International Airport (EZE) in Buenos Aires beginning June 4. Customers can start booking 787 flights beginning Saturday, Feb. 14. American will deploy the 787 to additional markets in 2015 as it takes delivery of new aircraft.

"We look forward to welcoming our international customers onboard the 787 with its modern amenities and comforts beginning this summer," said Andrew Nocella, American's chief marketing officer. "Adding the 787 Dreamliner to our network gives us the opportunity to increase our efficiency on long-haul flights across the globe and potentially open up new markets in our network. It's a big win for customers and just the latest example of how American is going for great."

In addition to improved aerodynamics, advanced engine technology, better fuel efficiency and lower overall operating costs, the 787 will feature a state-of-the-art onboard travel experience.

Arranged in a two-class cabin configuration, American's 787-8 features 28 fully lie-flat Business Class seats arranged in a 1-2-1 configuration. The custom-designed forward-and rear-facing seats provide direct-aisle access for every Business Class customer for more mobility throughout the cabin. The aircraft is equipped with satellite Wi-Fi capability to keep customers connected while traveling internationally. The premium cabin also features inflight entertainment selections on a 15.4-inch HD Panasonic touchscreen monitor positioned in each seat. Business Class customers will also be offered Bose® QuietComfort® Acoustic Noise Cancelling® headphones and ear buds. Each seat is equipped with universal AC power outlets and a USB jack.

The Main Cabin will be outfitted with 48 Main Cabin Extra seats in a 3-3-3 configuration, offering customers up to six inches of additional legroom, and 150 Main Cabin seats also arranged in a 3-3-3 configuration. Every seat offers a 9-inch HD Panasonic touchscreen monitor with an assortment of movies, TV programs, games and audio selections. Each Main Cabin seat is also equipped with universal AC power outlets and a USB jack.

Other advanced features on the Dreamliner include larger dimmable windows, improved cabin humidity and improved sound quality. American's 787-8s will also feature a walk-up bar stocked with snacks and refreshments for customers traveling in the premium cabin.

American has placed firm orders for 42 Boeing 787 aircraft, with the right to acquire an additional 58. American already has the youngest fleet of the U.S. global network carriers, with an average aircraft age of 12.3 years. In 2015, American plans to take delivery of an average of two new aircraft per week. These new deliveries will make American's fleet even younger, more modern and more efficient and will provide a solid foundation for continued improvements in technology, products and services.

American is in the midst of more than $2 billion in planned improvements to give customers a superior travel experience around the world. These investments include fully lie-flat seats on international long-haul aircraft; international Wi-Fi; more in-flight entertainment options and power outlets; a new, modern design for Admirals Club lounges worldwide; and improved food and beverage offerings. In addition to taking delivery of hundreds of new planes, American is retrofitting its entire fleet of Boeing 777-200s and selected 767-300s, 757-200s and Airbus A319s to refresh the cabins and enhance the experience on domestic and international flights.