United Airlines to Fly New Airbus A321XLR in Dec 2025

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CHICAGO- United Airlines (UA) has ordered 50 Airbus A321XLR aircraft to replace its aging Boeing 757 fleet. The airline currently operates 61 Boeing 757 planes with an average age of 24 years.

Patrick Quayle, United’s SVP of global network planning and alliances told Business Insider that the A321XLR will take over nearly all existing 757 routes and open new ones. United expects to receive its first A321XLR in December 2025.

Photo: Airbus

United A321XLR Update

Quayle emphasized the A321XLR’s suitability for smaller markets like Tenerife and Reykjavik, where larger aircraft like the Boeing 767 or 787 would be uneconomical. The A321XLR offers improved fuel efficiency and lower maintenance costs compared to the 757.

United’s spokesperson confirmed that the A321XLR will primarily serve international routes. The Denver to Lihue, Hawaii route, currently operated by the 757, is not expected to transition to the XLR. The Newark to Lima service remains under consideration.

Passengers can anticipate the A321XLR operating on existing 757 routes to destinations such as Faro and Porto in Portugal, Malaga in Spain, Edinburgh in Scotland, and Shannon in Ireland.

United plans to expand its network with the A321XLR, reaching destinations previously inaccessible to narrowbody aircraft. These include cities in France, Northern Italy, Scandinavia, West Africa, and North Africa.

Quayle highlighted the A321XLR’s superior range compared to the 757, enabling United to serve new markets currently lacking airline service or United Airlines presence.

Photo: Robin Hardy

New Long-haul Routes

The Airbus A321XLR has received European safety certification and is approaching FAA approval. Airbus reports nearing the “finish line” for full certification.

Iberia, Spain’s flag carrier, will debut the A321XLR in November, inaugurating service from Madrid to Boston. This launch highlights the aircraft’s long-range capabilities and fuel efficiency.

The A321XLR boasts 30% less fuel consumption than previous-generation narrowbodies. It accommodates up to 220 passengers in two classes, appealing to airlines seeking to serve niche long-haul markets.

American Airlines’ Jason Reisinger praises the XLR’s ability to operate routes unsuitable for larger aircraft like the 787. He suggests potential direct flights from Raleigh to London, bypassing current hub layovers. American has ordered 50 XLRs.

Photo: By MarcelX42 – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=119364348

Versatile Aircraft

The aircraft’s versatility attracts both budget carriers and mainline operators. IndiGo (6E) and Wizz Air’s (W6) orders demonstrate their adaptability to various business models.

IndiGo’s former CCO Willy Boulte envisioned the XLR connecting Indian cities with destinations in Europe and Asia, including Beijing, Seoul, and Amsterdam.

Since its 2019 launch, the A321XLR has garnered over 550 orders from dozens of global carriers. The aircraft’s 5,400-mile (around 11-hour) range surpasses its predecessor, the A321LR, by 800 miles.

What are your thoughts on the United Airbus A321XLR? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section.

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