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.
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.
First A321xlr @AmericanAir n300yn #american #aitulines by Airbus in Hamburg pic.twitter.com/QRnE3iVmdz
— Tobi (@Tobias_Gudat) March 25, 2025
Both Iberia and Aer Lingus have already taken delivery of the A321XLR. JetBlue also expects to receive the aircraft in 2025.
