American Airlines starts flying the longest-range narrow-body Airbus plane. Here's what's inside

Core Viewpoint - American Airlines is launching its first Airbus A321XLR flight from New York to Los Angeles, aiming to expand its route offerings with this long-range aircraft, which can fly up to 4,700 nautical miles [1][2]. Group 1: Aircraft and Routes - The A321XLR allows American Airlines to explore routes to smaller European cities that do not justify larger aircraft like the Boeing 777 or 787 [2]. - Potential destinations include Bordeaux and Marseille in France, Oslo in Norway, Stockholm in Sweden, Copenhagen in Denmark, and Mallorca and Seville in Spain [3]. - The airline plans to introduce the A321XLR in Europe with a nonstop flight from New York to Edinburgh starting in March [4]. Group 2: Aircraft Configuration and Premium Focus - The A321XLR will feature 155 seats, including 20 in business class, 12 in premium economy, and 123 in the main cabin, which is fewer than the standard A321s in American's fleet [7]. - The airline is emphasizing premium seating, which will occupy one-fifth of the aircraft, to compete with more profitable rivals like Delta and United [6]. - The new interior design aims to reflect "Americana," with a color scheme of dark blue and caramel [7]. Group 3: Strategic Investments and Future Plans - American Airlines has ordered 50 A321XLR jets, expecting to have 40 by the end of the decade, while also retiring older models like the Boeing 757 and 767 [10]. - The airline is investing in cabin refreshes and expanding its lounges, such as increasing seating in the Admirals Club at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport by 50% [11]. - The company is balancing investments in premium offerings with the need to improve profitability, as indicated by its new chief commercial officer [12].