The airline sector is trading higher, with a key catalyst being American Airlines' announcement that it is increasing the number of premium seats on its long-haul Boeing 777 aircraft. [8, 17] This move, which includes phasing out first class for more business-class seats, is part of a broader industry trend among U.S. carriers to enhance profitability by targeting higher-spending travelers. [17] Supporting this theme, Southwest also announced its first-ever lounge network, signaling a wider focus on premium customer experiences to drive revenue. [9]