No seat-back video screen on American Airlines new Boeing 737 MAX

Are you fond of watching movies in-flight? Then this news is especially for you. Next time you plan to travel on American Airlines’ new Boeing 737 MAX aircraft then you better bring your own device along with you for in-flight entertainment.

 American Airlines recently announced it won’t be installing seat-back video screens on its new Boeing 737 MAX aircrafts. The airline has its own reason for doing so. A spokesperson of American Airlines said, “It is for quite some time being observed that most of the travelers are seen traveling with their laptops, tablets or smartphones. The hook on these devices for entertainment purposes such as watching movies, listening music, browsing news or playing games. Moreover, the airline has also made extensive efforts for improving onboard internet speed and access, thus contributing to enhanced viewing experience.”

The move of American Airlines is also being seen as a reversal of its earlier stand. Dough Parker, CEO of American Airlines, had last year said that the airline would be installing seat-back video screens on all its aircrafts for remaining competitive. The airline has however in less than a year changed its decision.

Media reports said that American Airlines had earlier placed orders for 100 Boeing 737 MAX aircrafts. The airline is set to receive the first four of its new Boeing MAX aircrafts later this year. The decision not to have seat-back video screens is so far confined only to these new aircrafts. The airline is yet to arrive at a decision whether to extend the policy to other new aircrafts as well.

Parker said, “Above 90 percent of our customers are seen carrying their own device or screen when boarding their flights. They also continually upgrade their tablets and smartphones. These devices are easy to use, and quite significantly, our customers have chosen this technology for in-flight entertainment.”

Parker further stated that the aircrafts being used for long-haul international flights will have seat-back video screens installed on them. Some single-aisle aircrafts used for specific flights and three-class Airbus A321T aircrafts will continue to offer seat-back video screens to the customers.