US-Bound A321XLR Spotted at Hamburg Facility
The first Airbus A321XLR destined for the United States has been seen at the manufacturer’s facility in Hamburg, Germany, proudly displaying American Airlines livery. This ultra-long-range, single-aisle jet, a key variant of the A321neo family, was photographed by an aviation enthusiast several times this week, with one notable image captured on March 25, 2025, showing the aircraft completing its inaugural runway check. Registered as D-AZAB, the aircraft now features two CFM International LEAP-1A engines, a detail that marks its distinction as the CFM-powered version certified by both the Federal Aviation Administration and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency last year. Earlier images from 2024 had only shown the tail in American Airlines colors, but the recent sightings confirm that the full livery is now in place.
The development of the A321XLR represents a significant advancement in long-range travel for single-aisle jets. With a range capability of up to 4,700 nautical miles, the aircraft is designed to offer “single-aisle economics on widebody routes,” as Airbus has described, providing cost advantages that can reduce trip costs by up to 45% compared to larger jets. This efficiency is attracting several major airlines. Launch customers Iberia and Aer Lingus, along with carriers such as Wizz Air and American Airlines, have opted for the CFM engine-powered variant. Meanwhile, EASA granted approval for the A321XLR with Pratt & Whitney PW1000G engines in February 2025, although the FAA has yet to certify that version, which United Airlines is awaiting.
American Airlines, which ordered 50 A321XLRs back in 2019, expects to receive the bulk of its new fleet between 2025 and 2029. The new jets are set to replace the carrier’s existing fleet of A321Ts and will feature a configuration that includes 20 private business class suites, enhancing the premium travel experience on long-haul routes. The inclusion of these suites is designed to offer a more comfortable and exclusive product compared to traditional narrow-body layouts, positioning the A321XLR as a versatile option for both leisure and business travel.
Iberia, which took delivery of the world’s first commercial-ready A321XLR on October 30, 2024, has already completed its first revenue flight from Madrid-Barajas International Airport on November 6, 2024. This milestone underscores the aircraft’s growing importance in reshaping transcontinental travel. The A321XLR is proving to be a game changer as it combines the efficiency of a single-aisle aircraft with the long-range capabilities traditionally associated with widebody jets.
Airbus continues to promote the A321XLR as a solution for airlines looking to serve long-distance routes with lower operating costs and enhanced passenger comfort. With the aircraft now progressing toward delivery to American Airlines, the aerospace market is watching closely as carriers around the world adjust their fleets to include this innovative model. The move not only represents a significant technological leap but also a strategic shift in how airlines plan to tackle the challenges of long-haul travel in a post-pandemic world, where efficiency and cost-effectiveness are paramount.
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