For general notes on American Airlines' Business class product, click here.

The business class cabin on this aircraft is configured 2-3-2 and is an inclined flatbed. Don't confuse it with the new product, a fully flat bed that is being introduced on bigger 777-300ER aircraft in late 2012.

The current seat is an inclined lie-flat with a length of 76 inches when reclined; a seat width that ranges from 21-26 inches, including a fixed privacy divider and adjustable armrest; and an adjustable personal media player in the seat back.

The seat moves forward in the upright position to move closer to the seat back tray, which also allows you to offset yourself from fellow travellers. The tray table has two separate parts, one which lowers from the seat-back shell, and a second that lifts from the centre console. The tables can be used separately or together to create one large work or dining surface.

The AVOD entertainment system is via a 10.6-inch tilting monitor and Bose QuietComfort 3 Acoustic Noise Cancelling headphones. There is also a power port for laptops and mobile phones and a fixed seat divider for privacy, especially when in a reclined or lie-flat position.

So why did American chose lie flat rather than fully-flat? Here's what it said at the time:

"First, the airline's seat tests showed that there was not a significant difference in comfort between fully-flat and flat-at-an-angle seats. However, there was strong satisfaction for seats that had lounge, or Z position capability found on the flat-at-an-angle seats.

The carrier has now changed its position after all its rivals adopted a fully flat seat and because of its joint venture with British Airways, which pioneered the flat bed.

So, from late 2012, the new product will offer up to 45 lie-flat seats with up to twice as much living space than the current 777-200ER seat. Seats will feature a large tray table, a work surface and direct aisle access. There is also wi-fi and a walk-up bar.

In-seat entertainment will feature more than 700 hours of on-demand audio and video entertainment. Up to 120 movies, 180 TV programmes, 350 audio selections and 30 games will be available on a 15.4-inch HD-capable touchscreen monitor. Every seat will feature 110-volt universal AC power outlets and USB jacks for charging personal electronic devices.