American Airlines has become the first US airline to launch the Airbus 321XLR, as it announces new flights on the aircraft between New York (JFK) and Edinburgh (EDI).
The latest addition to the A320neo range, the A321XLR is a single-aisle aircraft that can fly for up to 11 hours. Installed with the latest inflight entertainment (IFE) technology, the aircraft aligns well with American’s strategy to cater to a more premium market.
Passengers on the JFK-EDI flights will benefit from Bluetooth IFE connectivity and high-speed WiFi. The aircraft features 20 Flagship Suite (business) seats, 12 Premium Economy seats and 123 Main Cabin seats. Domestic flights between New York and Los Angeles on the A321XLR are expected to commence in December, with further orders of the aircraft entering service soon.
American’s premium strategy
Recently announced partnerships with Lavazza coffee, Bollinger champagne, and Joanna Vargas skincare are just some of the initiatives American Airlines is taking to up its customer offering in competition with Delta and United. Retrofitting their fleet of Boeing 777-200s with their Flagship Suite product is another project that American hopes will add new life to older aircraft.
Earlier this month, Nat Pieper, CEO of oneworld, was announced as the airline’s new Chief Commercial Officer as the legacy carrier seeks to drive further growth momentum. The debut of the A321XLR to Edinburgh is a further test of American’s premiumisation strategy, and whether lower-volume flights to seasonal destinations can tip the scales in their favour in the competitive North American market.
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