The inaugural flight of American Airlines’ first Airbus A321XLR will take place on Thursday, Dec. 18, on flight AA3 from JFK to LAX, the carrier has announced. This will mark the first A321XLR flight by a US carrier and begin a new era for both American Airlines and Airbus aircraft in the United States.
American received its first XLR on Oct. 22, arriving in Dallas-Fort Worth, the airline’s largest hub.
The inaugural flight will depart New York City at 11:00 am EST and arrive in Los Angeles at 2:18 pm PST.
Passengers can continue to find A321XLR flights on premium transcontinental routes through February 11, according to the airline.
American has also shared that it will look to begin transatlantic service with its new jets starting in “the first half of 2026.” Routes are yet to be announced, but long and thin ones out of New York and Philadelphia are expected to be contenders.
First Look Inside the XLR
American’s A321XLR includes 20 Flagship Suites, 12 Premium Economy seats, and 123 Main Cabin seats (two rows of which are Main Cabin Extra).
The Flagship Suites feature the Collins Aurora seats, which come in a 1-1 configuration in a herringbone layout. Unlike the new Boeing 787-9s (78P) with their Adient Ascent seats, the XLRs do not feature a premium bulkhead seat.
12 Recaro R5 seats feature the small Premium Economy cabin, with comfort levels similar to domestic first class.
Main Cabin begins with just two rows of Main Cabin Extra, both of which are exit row seats. Each seat features seatback IFE and power at each seat.
“Designed for long journeys with comfort and style at the forefront, American is thrilled to be the first U.S. airline to operate the A321XLR,” said Heather Garboden, American’s Chief Customer Officer. “Whether customers are traveling from coast to coast or across the ocean, American’s newest aircraft demonstrates our commitment to providing a premium travel experience.”
All photos via American Airlines.
