American leaning back into the long-haul narrowbody market with the A321XLR

"American Airlines is reviving a type of flying it hasn't done in years: long-haul trips on single-aisle jets. The carrier took delivery of its first Airbus A321XLR in October - a new narrowbody plane built specifically for long-distance routes. With an extra fuel tank, the jet can fly about 5,400 miles, or up to 11 hours nonstop, while burning less fuel than previous-generation options."

"American will first use the A321XLR on a domestic transcontinental route in December. But its long-haul debut comes on March 8, when the airline launches seasonal service between New York and Edinburgh, Scotland, through October 24. Tickets go on sale November 3. Pricing isn't yet public for the Edinburgh route, but roundtrip fares on the A321XLR's first route, New York to Los Angeles, start at about $750 in economy and around $3,000 in business class in December."

"American last flew a narrowbody across the Atlantic in 2019, relying on the Boeing 757. The plane's eventual retirement, accelerated by the pandemic, was due to high fuel and maintenance costs. The A321XLR is meant to fix the efficiency issue for American - and the airline has configured it for long-haul comfort. Customers can expect a premium-heavy cabin, including lie-flat business-class seats and a dedicated premium economy section. The amenities include hot meals for all 155 passengers, with upgraded dining and amenities up front."

American Airlines received its first Airbus A321XLR in October, a narrowbody with an extra fuel tank and roughly 5,400-mile (up to 11-hour) range that burns less fuel than older jets. The carrier will deploy the type on a domestic transcontinental route in December and begin seasonal nonstop New York–Edinburgh service March 8 through October 24, with tickets on sale November 3. The A321XLR is configured for long-haul comfort with a premium-heavy cabin, lie-flat business seats, a dedicated premium economy section, and hot meals for all 155 passengers, complementing existing widebody transatlantic flights.

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