American Airlines first Airbus A321XLR (extra-long range) single-aisle plane will make its transoceanic debut on March 8, flying seasonally from New York JFK to Edinburgh, Scotland.
The A321XLR has a maximum range of 4,700 nautical miles, 15% more than A321LR, and 1,000 nautical miles more than Boeing 737 Max aircraft, opening up new long-range possibilities for narrowbody flying.
American is the first U.S. airline to take delivery of an A321XLR. The aircraft will debut domestically on Dec. 18, flying between JFK and Los Angeles.
On JFK-Edinburgh, the A321XLR will be configured with 20 of American's business class Flagship Suites, which debuted in June on a new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. The suite offers a sliding privacy door, a unique chaise lounge seating option, a wireless charging pad and more personal storage space than older-generation AA business classes.
The plane will also have 20 of American's latest premium economy seats and 123 main cabin seats.
American has ordered a total of 50 A321XLRs.