American Airlines has taken delivery of the first of 100 A321neos on order from Airbus, powered by CFM International LEAP-1A engines.
The aircraft, MSN8647, departed Hamburg early Friday 01 February for the trans-Atlantic ferry flight to Pittsburgh where American’s technicians will get the A321neo ready for passenger flights.
The A321neo is scheduled to begin flying passengers April 2 between Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) in Arizona and Orlando International Airport (MCO) in Florida.
American’s A321neo seats 196 passengers and, in addition to the fast Wi-Fi, include power at every seat and free wireless entertainment to each passenger’s own device including free live television.
Additionally, American is the launch customer for Airbus’ new XL overhead bins which significantly increase capacity. The A321neo is American’s first aircraft delivered with these bins and the company will begin retrofitting existing A321s with this same bin later this year.
N.B. Image credit: Airbus