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American Airlines to Replace Dimming Windows on Its Oldest Boeing 787 Dreamliners
By News Desk ·
Key takeaways
- American Airlines is reportedly replacing the dimming windows on its oldest Boeing 787 Dreamliners after passengers broke the dimmer buttons by pressing them repeatedly.
- Replacing a window dimmer costs $5,000 per window, according to the report.
- American Airlines operates 70 Boeing 787s, made up of 37 787-8s and 33 787-9s, and has 19 more on order.
American Airlines is reportedly replacing the dimming windows on its oldest Boeing 787 Dreamliners after passengers broke the dimmer buttons by pressing them repeatedly, with each replacement costing $5,000 per window. EIN Presswire reported the plan, which comes from aviation insider JonNYC.
Why the 787 Dimmer Buttons Break
The Boeing 787's windows are the largest in passenger service, measuring 10.7 inches wide by 18.4 inches high. Each window has three panels: the structural outer hull glass, a center electrochromatic panel, and an interior plastic dust cover. The center panel carries the dimming function, using a gel through which an electrical current passes; a higher voltage darkens the window.
Wear and tear from overuse of the dim and brighten buttons is causing the problem. Some passengers do not realize that controlling the light is not instant, and they break the buttons by pressing them in rapid succession. Flight attendants can also control the dimming and may fully darken windows on an overnight flight. Passengers are not told when the button is locked out, so they may press it more, hoping it will respond.
A technology update now allows a near-full blackout and reduced the time the windows take to brighten or darken, though the transition from fully bright to dark can take over a minute. SimpleFlying said it reached out to American for details of the replacement initiative but did not receive an immediate response.
American's 787 Fleet and Orders
American's 787 fleet consists of the 787-8 and 787-9 models. The carrier received its first -8 in early 2015, according to Airfleets.net data, and began taking -9 deliveries in May 2016. Combined, American has 70 787s, made up of 37 -8s and 33 -9s. Its most recently delivered Dreamliner was a 787-9 registered N852ML, delivered on April 12, 2025.
American has 19 additional 787s on order and is rumored to be considering more, while also evaluating adding the Airbus A330neo to the fleet. The carrier does not have any of the largest variant, the 787-10, in its fleet or on the order books. US competitor United Airlines operates all three 787 variants. In January, Delta Air Lines placed a firm order for 30 787-10s, with options for an additional 30. Alaska Airlines began receiving 787-9s in 2025.
American's 787 Network Plans
According to akta.pro company records, American Airlines plans to launch daily nonstop service between Chicago O'Hare and Tokyo-Narita on March 27, 2027, using a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. The route marks the carrier's return to the transpacific market after a seven-year hiatus as part of a joint venture with Japan Airlines.
Earlier American Airlines 787 Moves
American Airlines' DFW-to-Brisbane route, its longest flight, is profitable only with its new 787-9 "789P" layout, which has 51 Flagship Suites and 32 premium economy seats, Simpleflying reported in October 2026. Naples Airport will resume commercial flights after signing an operating agreement with American Airlines, which will operate two nonstop daily flights to Charlotte, EIN Presswire reported the same month. American Airlines also operated its new Airbus A321XLR from Los Angeles to Charlotte on a transcontinental route, substituting for the usual A321neo, EIN Presswire reported.