American Airlines is set to introduce its premium product on a new narrow-body aircraft. The airline recently received delivery of an Airbus A321XLR, making it the first major U. S. carrier to do so. This aircraft, with an impressive range of 5,408 miles, will initially operate on U. S. transcontinental routes.
The A321XLR will boast a three-cabin layout, consisting of 20 Flagship Suite seats, 12 premium economy seats, and 123 main cabin seats. This makes American the only global carrier to offer such a layout on this aircraft. Flagship Suite customers will enjoy priority check-in, security, boarding, and baggage handling, as well as access to the Greenwich Lounge at JFK Airport. Premium economy customers will also receive special amenities such as a personal amenity kit, a headrest for added privacy, a lumbar pillow, a blanket, wireless charging, and hot meal options. Flagship customers will also be treated to a multicourse meal paired with award-winning wines.
Heather Garboden, American’s chief customer officer, expressed excitement about being the first U. S. airline to operate the A321XLR. She stated that this aircraft, designed for long journeys with comfort and style in mind, is a testament to the airline’s commitment to providing a premium travel experience.
American’s decision to upgrade its A321XLR aircraft is part of its strategy to increase profits and compete with rivals Delta and United. In its third-quarter earnings report, the airline announced record revenue of $13. 7 billion. However, it also reported a net loss of $114 million, which was smaller than expected. The carrier’s hub at DFW Airport has already unveiled its signature premium product on its new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft earlier this year.
During the earnings call, CEO Robert Isom emphasized the importance of corporate travel in generating revenue. He stated that while the airline is pleased with its performance in the premium space, they also need to cater to premium leisure travelers. Isom revealed that American plans to double its investment in premium seats and expand lie-flat seats by 50% by the end of the decade. This includes retrofitting 20 of its Boeing 777-300 aircraft with the Flagship product, as well as adding more premium seating on other aircraft such as the 777-200, A319, and A320.
Chief financial officer Devon May also highlighted the success of American’s premium offerings, with premium unit revenue outpacing main cabin revenue by five points in the third quarter. In line with this demand, the airline will continue to invest in expanding its premium offerings across the customer journey. May also noted that American has been recognized for having the highest rated and most consistent lie-flat product among U. S. network carriers.
Other U. S. carriers, such as United Airlines and JetBlue, are also awaiting deliveries of the A321XLR.