American’s New A321s to Feature Tech for Smoother, Safer Operations

ADS-B In platform aims to boost runway capacity, fuel efficiency, and pilot awareness.

N925VA – a former Alaska A321neo destined for American – in Roswell, N.M. on March 2, 2024. (Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)

[ Planes ]July 4, 2025 7:30 am ET

By Zach Vasile

American Airlines will fit new Airbus A321s with the same ADS-B In platform as its current A321 fleet, supplier Acron Aviation announced on Wednesday.

The avionics and training company, formerly known as L3Harris Commercial Aviation Solutions, said American will line-fit all A321s currently on order with SafeRoute+, which was developed by Aviation Communication & Surveillance Systems, a joint venture between Acron Aviation and Thales.

SafeRoute+ has been installed across American’s current A321 fleet, which consists of 302 aircraft.

A brand new American Airlines A321neo parked in Pittsburgh (Photo:AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)

Acron Aviation said the platform has proven its value in trials carried out by the FAA at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport over the last two years. The system improved runway throughput, fuel efficiency, situation awareness, and safety, the company said, and showed the potential for four to five additional landings per hour on each runway at DFW.

“Our experience with SafeRoute+ on the A321 fleet has shown clear benefits,” said Capt. David Surridge, American’s director of air traffic management. “It has enabled more efficient aircraft spacing, increased runway throughput, and aided in additional pilot situational awareness, further enhancing safety. We’re excited to expand the use of this important technology.”

Acron Aviation also said it secured a supplemental type certification that will allow American to equip new A321XLRs with SafeRoute+.

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Zach Vasile

Zach Vasile is a writer and editor covering news in all aspects of commercial aviation. He has reported for and contributed to the Manchester Journal Inquirer, the Hartford Business Journal, the Charlotte Observer, and the Washington Examiner, with his area of focus being the intersection of business and government policy.

Author

Zach Vasile

Zach Vasile is a writer and editor covering news in all aspects of commercial aviation. He has reported for and contributed to the Manchester Journal Inquirer, the Hartford Business Journal, the Charlotte Observer, and the Washington Examiner, with his area of focus being the intersection of business and government policy.
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