No, you’re not imagining that new plane smell. Over the coming years, a total of 50 factory-fresh Airbus A321XLR planes are joining the American Airlines fleet. And it’s going to be “special” for travelers, according to Nat Pieper, chief commercial officer of American.
“I’m 28 years in this industry. There’s nothing better than getting on a new airplane,” Pieper said Thursday during a preview of the next-generation aircraft at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in Terminal 8.
American is the first airline in the USA to fly this “extra long range” (hence, XLR) single-aisle Airbus, capable of international missions across the Atlantic and beyond. Onboard, passenger experience enhancements include posh business-class suites, an upgraded premium economy, and evolved tech features.
On December 18, these planes will initially be deployed on a tried-and-true transcontinental route: between New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). Ahead of that first flight, Afar got an inside look at American’s all-new aircraft in New York.
Here are four features we think travelers will be most excited about.
The new planes feature the first American Flagship Suites with privacy doors on a narrow-body aircraft.
Photo by Arturo Barbera/Courtesy of American Airlines
Swanky business-class suites
American is adding personal privacy doors to business class—a first for the airline on a narrow-body aircraft. The new “Flagship Suites” are in rows 1 through 10, arranged in a one-one configuration.
Each pod includes a lie-flat seat with direct aisle access, a 17-inch 4K touch-screen entertainment monitor, and an elegant, fold-out vanity mirror. (If you’ve ever flown on JetBlue’s transatlantic Mint product, you’ll be familiar with these seats.)
There’s an updated look and feel to the business-class cabin, too. After all, the arms race to capture premium travelers means an increased emphasis on aesthetics. Instead of sterile grays and blacks, American went for a warmer, more refined color scheme.
The headrests are steeped in saddle brown leather and the seat fabrics are in subdued shades of navy. Even the white, faux-marble cocktail tray is illuminated with the airline’s logo—a subtle yet elegant touch.
An upgraded premium economy cabin
Directly behind business class is an intimate, 12-seat premium economy cabin arranged in a two-two layout. This isn’t simply an economy section with extra legroom; it’s an entirely separate class of service with plush recliners and additional amenities.
Each seat has a winged headrest for increased privacy, along with a separate calf rest and footrest. (Older iterations of American premium economy only had a drop-down footrest.) Passengers also receive a refreshed amenity kit with skincare products, an ergonomic lumbar pillow, and a thicker-than-expected woven blanket. It’s safe to say this version of premium economy is one of the most comfortable we’ve sat in on any plane, period.
American is not phoning it in with the premium economy seats on the new A321XLR planes.
Photo by Arturo Barbera/Courtesy of American
Improved tech and larger overhead bins
Unlike most of American’s domestic fleet, there are seatback screens at every seat, and they’re equipped with Bluetooth connectivity. Both business and premium economy customers gain wireless charging capabilities, while every passenger has access to USB-C and USB-A ports.
Starting in January, American will begin rolling out complimentary Wi-Fi across the fleet—including on the A321XLR—in partnership with AT&T.
Finally, these planes also feature Airbus’s Airspace XL overhead bins, offering the largest overhead storage on a single-aisle plane. The intended purpose? Fewer instances of gate checking carry-on bags, which slows down boarding.
Access to exciting new destinations
Starting next spring, American will operate A321XLR flights from JFK to Edinburgh, Scotland, for the summer season. With the ability to fly nonstop for nearly 11 hours and a range of 4,700 nautical miles, the XLR was built for so-called long and thin routes.
“This plane introduces the ability for us to fly to new markets across Europe, and even South America, that’s properly sized for the demand,” said Brian Znotins, senior vice president of network planning at American.
The airline will likely make bets on less touristy destinations in Europe and beyond. Znotins specifically mentioned the potential to launch routes to secondary cities in France, Spain, Italy, Germany, and the United Kingdom. In the meantime, expect the A321XLR to replace older aircraft in the premium transcontinental market.
