A stunning American Airlines retro jet is set to hit the skies in the next few weeks.
American Airlines is getting ready to celebrate a monumental milestone. As the carrier approaches its 100th anniversary on 15 April 2026, it’s marking the occasion with an absolutely stunning retro livery that takes fans straight back to the golden age of flight. Painted on a Boeing 777-300ER (reg. N735AT), the new design is a modern-day tribute to one of American’s most legendary aircraft—the Douglas DC-3—which helped shape the airline’s early success nearly nine decades ago.
The 777, named “Flagship DFW,” honors the airline’s Dallas/Fort Worth home base and revives a naming tradition that began with the original DC-3s, which proudly bore the names of the cities they served.
The 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 gleams in American’s iconic “Silver Eagle” base coat, a hue now seen across more than 1,600 aircraft in the fleet. Running along both sides is the unmistakable orange lightning bolt motif, a design element that first streaked across American’s DC-3s back in the 1930s.
Toward the aft fuselage sits a roundel featuring the classic “AA” logo and eagle, symbolizing how American connects the world while paying homage to the past. It’s the perfect marriage of vintage elegance and modern craftsmanship.
“American has thoughtfully chosen a design that evokes our rich history while looking ahead to our next 100 years,” said Ron DeFeo, American’s Chief Communications Officer. “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 Flagship Innovation
More than just a nostalgic repaint, the gorgeous new livery is a visual reminder of how far American has come. Back in the 1930s, the airline helped pioneer the Douglas DC-3, working directly with Douglas Aircraft to create an airliner that would forever change commercial aviation. By 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 stands for premium service. What began as a marketing term for its transcontinental DC-3 flights now extends to its Flagship Lounges, Flagship Business Class, and the upcoming Flagship Suite experience, which will debut across its long-haul fleet.
Retro on the Outside, Modern Luxe on the Inside
While the outside celebrates the past, the inside of “Flagship DFW” is all about the future. Starting next year, American’s 777-300ERs will begin rolling out with a fully refreshed interior. The aircraft will feature 70 Flagship Suite seats, each equipped with privacy 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 enhanced headrest wings, calf rests, and footrests. Even the Main Cabin is getting some love, with 4K QLED seatback screens (also a first in the US), USB-C, and AC power for every passenger.
The interior modifications are fitting in a year that American will celebrate its first century. In a sense, the carrier 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 jets, and a futuristic eye on the Boom Overture supersonic program, for which it holds 20 firm orders and 40 options. Add in its American Eagle network, which is operated by Envoy Air, PSA Airlines, Piedmont Airlines, and 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 through the merger of more than 80 small carriers, 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 pioneering premium transcontinental service.
The Race to 100
American isn’t the only US carrier marking a century. Delta Air Lines is also celebrating its 100th birthday, having unveiled two centennial-themed jets earlier this year: an A350-900 and an A321neo. However, while Delta’s designs are sleek and modern, American has opted for heart and heritage, tapping into nostalgia that resonates deeply with avgeeks, historians, frequent flyers, 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 American.
And that’s what makes this 777 so special. It’s more than a new paint job. It’s a flying tribute to a century of aviation milestones, innovation, and the passengers who helped make it all possible.
As “Flagship DFW” prepares to take to the skies, American Airlines is showing the world that the best way to honor the past is to keep looking forward.
And hey…just like we requested recently with JSX’s beautiful new retro jet, please send us pictures of the American retro jet if you happen to see it out in the wild! We’d love to see it through your lens!
