American Airlines has announced a partnership with Lavazza, the renowned Italian coffee brand, to improve its inflight and lounge coffee offerings. Starting in early 2026, Lavazza’s premium coffee blends will be available across all cabins and at Admirals Club and Flagship Lounges. This collaboration is another in a series of steps the American is taking to refocus itself as more premium. The airline aims to provide a consistent coffee experience, finally offering quality coffee onboard. This is their first coffee partnership since their LaColombe partnership in 2017.
Coffee Wars
Coffee has become a competitive in the airline business. As of 2026, American will join United, Delta and Alaska offering premium coffee brands onboard. United Airlines partners with illycaffè, serving their premium blend on board and in United Clubs and Polaris Lounges worldwide. Delta Air Lines offers cold brew coffee and Starbucks onboard. Alaska Airlines has teamed up with Stumptown Coffee Roasters, a Washington roaster, introducing a custom blend designed to taste “exceptional at 30,000 feet”. American’s partnership with Lavazza positions it alongside these carriers in finally offering a premium, recognized coffee partner to its passengers.
New Premium Additions
This coffee initiative is part of American Airlines’ broader strategy to enhance its premium offerings. The airline has also introduced elevated culinary options, with new meals in premium cabins and more buy on board options in economy. This is all part of their renewed push to become a premium airline after years of senseless cost cutting. They have also launched a partnership with Bollinger Champagne, announced new lounges in Charlotte and Miami, and launched limited edition amenity kits.
Closing Thoughts
American Airlines’ partnership with Lavazza is a welcome development. It finally underscores the airline’s renewed commitment to becoming a premium carrier. There is still work to be done, but the airline continues to head in the right direction. I hope they continue to invest in the passenger experience as they celebrate their centennial next year. While the coffee upgrade is a positive step, adding consistent espresso machines on long haul flights would make the Lavazza partnership shine.
If you want to stay up to date with the latest airline news follow me on Bluesky or LinkedIn!
Also follow Boarding Area on Bluesky!
For a number of years, I have seen stories where flight attendants state that they would never drink on-board coffee/tea due to safety concerns about the water used. Is this still an issue? Will these new partnerships somehow change brewing techniques?