An impressive American Airlines retrojet will take to the skies in the coming weeks.
American Airlines is preparing to celebrate a monumental milestone. As the airline approaches its centenary on April 15, 2026, it marks the occasion with an absolutely stunning retro livery that takes fans right back to the golden age of flight. Painted on a Boeing 777-300ER (reg. N735AT), the new design is a modern tribute to one of America’s most legendary aircraft, the Douglas DC-3, which helped shape the airline’s initial success nearly nine decades ago.
The 777, called the “DFW Flagship”, honors the airline’s home base in Dallas/Fort Worth and revives a naming tradition that began with the original DC-3s, which proudly bore the names of the cities they served.
American Airlines’ Retro Jet is a blast from the past with a modern twist
At first glance, the 777’s retro design stops avgeeks in their tracks. The aircraft shines in American’s iconic “Silver Eagle” basecoat, a hue now seen on more than 1,600 aircraft in the fleet. Running along both sides is the unmistakable orange lightning bolt motif, a design element that first appeared on American’s DC-3s back in the 1930s.
Towards the stern of the fuselage is a circle with the classic “AA” logo and an eagle, symbolizing how American connects the world while paying homage to the past. It is the perfect combination of vintage elegance and modern craftsmanship.
“American has carefully chosen a design that evokes our rich history while looking toward our next 100 years,” said Ron DeFeo, American’s director of communications. “Painting the original Flagship design on our Flagship aircraft is a powerful way to honor that legacy while embracing the future.”
From DC-3 to 777: a century of iconic innovation
More than just a nostalgic repaint, the beautiful new livery is a visual reminder of how far American has come. In the 1930s, the airline pioneered the Douglas DC-3, working directly with Douglas Aircraft to create a passenger aircraft that would change commercial aviation forever. In 1936, American launched passenger service with the DC-3, ushering in an era of coast-to-coast comfort.
Nearly 90 years later, American’s “Flagship” name still represents premium service. What began as a marketing term for its DC-3 transcontinental flights now extends to its Flagship Lounges, Flagship Business Class and the upcoming Flagship Suite experience, which will debut on its long-haul fleet.
Retro on the outside, modern luxury on the inside
While the exterior celebrates the past, the interior of Flagship DFW is all about the future. Starting next year, American’s 777-300ERs will begin rolling out with a completely redesigned interior. The aircraft will feature 70 seats in the Flagship Suite, each equipped with private doors, wireless charging pads and a chaise lounge seating option that allows passengers to stretch out in style.
The Premium Economy cabin also receives an upgrade and will become the first in the US to feature wireless charging, as well as upgraded headrest wings, footrests and footrests. Even the main cabin is getting some love, with 4K QLED screens on the seatbacks (also a first in the US), USB-C, and AC power for each passenger.
The interior modifications fit in a year in which American will celebrate its first century. In a sense, the airline is reimagining what the next 100 years of travel will look like.
A century of flight, a legacy of firsts
Today, American Airlines operates a fleet of 1,000 mainline aircraft, with an impressive 301 orders for new Airbus and Boeing aircraft, and a futuristic eye on the Boom Overture supersonic program, for which it has 20 firm orders and 40 options. Add in its American Eagle network, operated by Envoy Air, PSA Airlines, Piedmont Airlines and its partners SkyWest and Republic Airways, and it’s easy to see why American flies to more destinations and carries more passengers than any other airline on Earth.
Founded in 1926 by merging more than 80 small airlines, American grew from flying mail and DC-3s to operating a global fleet of 777s and Dreamliners. The airline has been behind some of aviation’s most iconic innovations, including the development of the DC-3 and DC-10, as well as a pioneering premium transcontinental service.
The race to 100
American is not the only American airline turning a century. Delta Air Lines is also celebrating its centennial, having unveiled two centennial-themed aircraft earlier this year: an A350-900 and an A321neo. However, while Delta’s designs are sleek and modern, American has gone with heart and heritage, tapping into nostalgia that resonates deeply with avgeeks, historians, frequent travelers and designers.
It’s a fitting move for an airline that already celebrates its history through a fleet of special liveries honoring its predecessors. Few carriers do heritage as well as the Americans.
And that’s what makes this 777 so special. It’s more than a new paint job. It is a flying tribute to a century of aviation milestones, innovation and the passengers who helped make it all possible.
As the “DFW Flagship” prepares to take to the skies, American Airlines is showing the world that the best way to honor the past is to continue looking forward.
And hey… just like we recently requested with JSX’s beautiful new retro jet, send us photos of the American retro jet if you see it in the wild! We’d love to see it through your lens!
