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First Look: American’s A321XLR Rolls Out of Paint Shop

The carrier expects to take delivery of the new aircraft in the coming months.

American A321XLR

American’s first A321XLR taxiing in Hamburg (Photo: Tobias Gudat)

American’s first A321XLR is out of the paint shop at Airbus’ manufacturing facility in Hamburg, Germany. The Fort Worth, Texas-based airline has 50 of the long-range jets on order.

In 2019, the carrier ordered the aircraft type, which included the conversion of 30 of American’s existing A321neo slots. With an order for 85 additional A321neo aircraft last year, the airline became the world’s largest operator of A320 family jets.

American A321XLR

American’s first A321XLR (Photo: Tobias Gudat)

Its first A321XLR was spotted on Tuesday in American’s livery, albeit without the front logo. The carrier expects to receive its first XLR later this year, which will initially debut on transcontinental routes.

The jet will also feature American’s new Flagship Suites in business class. It will replace the carrier’s three-class A321T aircraft in the transcon market.

Later, American plans to stretch the aircraft’s range. Routes for the aircraft could include secondary markets in the U.K., Spain, and Portugal, the carrier’s network planning chief, Brian Znotins, told The Points Guy.

Both Iberia and Aer Lingus have already taken delivery of the A321XLR. JetBlue also expects to receive the aircraft in 2025.

 

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  • Ryan Ewing

    Ryan founded AirlineGeeks.com back in February 2013 and has amassed considerable experience in the aviation sector. His work has been featured in several publications and news outlets, including CNN, WJLA, CNET, and Business Insider. During his time in the industry, he's worked in roles pertaining to airport/airline operations while holding a B.S. in Air Transportation Management from Arizona State University along with an MBA. Ryan has experience in several facets of the industry from behind the yoke of a Cessna 172 to interviewing airline industry executives. Ryan works for AirlineGeeks' owner FLYING Media, spearheading coverage in the commercial aviation space.

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