The aircraft changing long-haul rules: more space, 19-inch screens and even a snack bar

Bigger is not always better, and the Airbus A321XLR is built around that idea. The single-aisle aircraft carries fewer passengers than traditional long-haul planes, but an adapted fuselage and additional fuel tank allow it to fly for up to 11 hours.

Airbus has put the emphasis on comfort. The aircraft offers wider economy seats, while business-class seats can convert into fully flat beds. United Airlines plans to configure its aircraft with 150 seats, even though the A321XLR can carry as many as 244 passengers.

United has ordered 50 aircraft and plans to introduce them on nine nonstop transatlantic routes to less-served destinations including Marseille and Ljubljana. The first routes are scheduled to begin on December 1. The airline describes the model as the most premium single-aisle aircraft in its fleet.

The United configuration will include 32 premium seats, 16 more than the Boeing 757 aircraft being replaced. Its new United Polaris suite will give each passenger direct aisle access, a lie-flat seat and a door for added privacy. Every seat will also have a 4K OLED screen with Bluetooth connectivity. The screens will measure 19 inches in Polaris, 16 inches in United Premium Plus and 13 inches in economy.

Passengers will get overhead bins with 60% more space than those on the aircraft being replaced. A self-service snack area will sit at the rear of economy, while all passengers will have internet access. Aer Lingus became the world’s second A321XLR operator in commercial service in 2024, with aircraft configured for 16 business-class and 168 economy seats. Airbus says the aircraft consumes about 30% less fuel per seat than previous generations and is certified for fuel blends containing up to 50% SAF. The industry aims to enable Airbus aircraft to use 100% SAF by 2030.