767 C.I.P. MOD

[PRINCESS KIDAGAKASH]

Well the first 767 C.I.P. mod is underway at AFW and so far it has been a disaster. Parts don't fit, Wiring digrams don't match the plane, Missing components, Brand new seats that had to be modified because they just didn't fit etc. We have AA and Vendor's engineering people running around like ants trying to fix all of these problems. It's so bad that engineering is taking photos of one of our newest 767's wiring just trying to sort out the mess on this C.I.P. mod. The planning and engineering on this project has been terrible, but I'm willing to bet in the end the mechanics will get the blame.

 

[Kev3188]

What is C.I.P. an acronym for?

 

[PRINCESS KIDAGAKASH]

What is C.I.P. an acronym for?

Cabin Improvement Program

AA is upgrading the Forward part(and only the FWD part) of their 767's with new lay down flat first class seats and better business class seats. The aft coach cabin remains the old outdated interior.

 

[DFWCC]

Well the first 767 C.I.P. mod is underway at AFW and so far it has been a disaster. Parts don't fit, Wiring digrams don't match the plane, Missing components, Brand new seats that had to be modified because they just didn't fit etc. We have AA and Vendor's engineering people running around like ants trying to fix all of these problems. It's so bad that engineering is taking photos of one of our newest 767's wiring just trying to sort out the mess on this C.I.P. mod. The planning and engineering on this project has been terrible, but I'm willing to bet in the end the mechanics will get the blame.

Man..., sure is typical. Mngt doesn't have a clue, I can see it all now some clown at hq siting at his desk looking at specs and price "yea that'll fit" and bingo there you have it. They never ask the guy who has to do the job. Now they'll expect a bonus bec they saved money by buying the wrong seats. Here's the key here -- sAAved money-- not important seats don't fit. They can always blame the installers.

 

[FWAAA]

Cabin Improvement Program

AA is upgrading the Forward part(and only the FWD part) of their 767's with new lay down flat first class seats and better business class seats. The aft coach cabin remains the old outdated interior.

While it would be fantastic if AA reinstalled some of the 763 First Class flat coffin seats removed in 2003, I don't think that's happening. Instead, AA is simply wasting tens of millions of dollars on crappy Recaro lie-flat-at-an-angle-wedgie business class seats.

The coffin-equipped 777s will be converted to Flagship Suite F seats when they get their new crappy business class seats.

The current business class seats suck, but these new seats are not the answer. BA will still have truly flat business class seats (like AA's coffins but very narrow). UA has already announced a $165 million program to replace its business class seats in the next couple of years (along with some F seats) and it will probably leapfrog AA and buy some true flat J seats.

Time to fire off another letter to the exec offices reminding them that these seats are a huge mistake.

 

[AMFAMAN]

While it would be fantastic if AA reinstalled some of the 763 First Class flat coffin seats removed in 2003, I don't think that's happening. Instead, AA is simply wasting tens of millions of dollars on crappy Recaro lie-flat-at-an-angle-wedgie business class seats.

Now for the rest of the bad news. Once these things actually fly, don't expect to see parts for the broken ones for a long time, and they will break. Also don't expect any training for the line mechanics ever. We still don't have parts for the TWA 757 seats.

 

[TIME FOR CHANGE]

Cabin Improvement Program

AA is upgrading the Forward part(and only the FWD part) of their 767's with new lay down flat first class seats and better business class seats. The aft coach cabin remains the old outdated interior.

Another mgmt brainstorm...
I thought the days of big dollar business men were gone. Thats why we arent making the money we use to. So spend millions for seats that are going to sell for peanuts.

What was the other mgmt brainstorm config... Oh yes more room in the coach :down:

 

[lpbrian]

All of you have to remember, when AA evaluates new seats, all it does is put a seat sample in the HQ lobby and see what HQ people think of them. Never is MX consulted.

 

[777 fixer]

Cabin Improvement Program

AA is upgrading the Forward part(and only the FWD part) of their 767's with new lay down flat first class seats and better business class seats. The aft coach cabin remains the old outdated interior.

How can the 767-300 get "lay down first class seats" and "better business class seats" when there is no business class on the -300?

 

[jimntx]

We still don't have parts for the TWA 757 seats.

Parts? You want parts? I gotcha stinkin' parts for ya!

This all would be funny if it weren't so true.

 

[FWAAA]

How can the 767-300 get "lay down first class seats" and "better business class seats" when there is no business class on the -300?

I think I covered that in post #5. B)

Actually, the 763s don't have First Class - internationally, the front cabin is sold as Business. To Hawaii and the other odd domestic routes, of course, AA calls it First.

 

[TWAnr]

How can the 767-300 get "lay down first class seats" and "better business class seats" when there is no business class on the -300?

There are only two classes on AA's 763. The front cabin is marketed as first class in domestic and Hawaii service but as business class on international flights to Europe and deep South America.

 

[777 fixer]

There are only two classes on AA's 763. The front cabin is marketed as first class on domestic and Hawaii flights but as business class on international service to Europe and deep South America.

It was meant more as a rhetorical question. The way PK had it worded it seemed like there was still three classes on the -300.

 

[MCI transplant]

Now for the rest of the bad news. Once these things actually fly, don't expect to see parts for the broken ones for a long time, and they will break. Also don't expect any training for the line mechanics ever. We still don't have parts for the TWA 757 seats.

<_< ---- If those are the seats I think your talking about, the best thing aa can do with them is get reed of them! They are the worst seats imaginable! Like setting in a bucket! Not one of TWA's better ideas!!! By the way, we have a 767 here that is supposed to get some sort of density Mod. Haven't had time to check it out. We've been spread so thin that nothing here seems to be getting out on time! And we just had a few more retire here last week! But I hear we'll be getting about eight of our fellow exTWAers from STL! Moved their last "B" check out and layed off eighteen people. Ten, I was told, are just retiring! The few get fewer! OH Well! 😉

 

[AirLUVer]

Well the first 767 C.I.P. mod is underway at AFW and so far it has been a disaster. Parts don't fit, Wiring digrams don't match the plane, Missing components, Brand new seats that had to be modified because they just didn't fit etc. We have AA and Vendor's engineering people running around like ants trying to fix all of these problems. It's so bad that engineering is taking photos of one of our newest 767's wiring just trying to sort out the mess on this C.I.P. mod. The planning and engineering on this project has been terrible, but I'm willing to bet in the end the mechanics will get the blame.

The new business class seats have never been installed into any aircraft, it is not like AA is buying seats that are supposed to be "plug and play". The whole purpose of only doing one 767 with the new seats and waiting 3 months before doing any other 767's is to "break-in" and debug the new seats. These seats will help increase AA's competitiveness, given the draw down of 3-Classes on the 767's. Also given that AA needs to address the market pressure of other airlines offering layflat seats for trans-atlantic and trans pacific business class, this is a no brainer in money that needs to be spent.

AA did have significant market research into the design of the seats. There were several testings of seats at F/U with AA's passengers coming in and being required to sit in the seats for 4+ hours and then give their input on things that were good and bad about the seats.

Again for those that did not get the "preview". I have available a quick-time file that was posted on the internet a few months ago. PM me with your email and I can email you the file.