WHY IT RATES: Travel agents and advisors with clients concerned about the current issues with Boeing will be happy to learn about American Airlines' introduction of new Airbus planes.-Donald Wood, Breaking News Senior Writer
American Airlines introduced customers to its new Airbus A321neo on Tuesday, welcoming its newest aircraft into the youngest fleet among U.S. network airlines.
The first flight was American Flight 682 from Phoenix (PHX) to Orlando, Florida (MCO). Other routes will be added this year as additional A321neos join the fleet.
American's A321neo gives customers a fully connected onboard experience. It includes power at every seat and free wireless entertainment and live TV streamed right to each customer's own device. For those who want to stay connected to work or use their own streaming services, the aircraft has high-speed Wi-Fi from gate to gate along with built-in seatback holders for tablets and phones.
American today offers more power outlets on mainline aircraft than any other airline.
With 196 seats, including 129 in Main Cabin, the neo has room for everyone. The aircraft offers 47 extra-legroom Main Cabin Extra seats, more than any of American's other domestic aircraft. It also features 20 first class seats, four more than the airline's earlier A321s, as American continues to make significant investments in the premium travel experience.
"We worked closely with Airbus to develop this cabin configuration with the features our customers want, including the Airbus XL overhead bins, which are the largest available for this aircraft and hold 65 percent more bags than our earlier A321s," said Janelle Anderson, Vice President of Marketing for American. "Today's flight is a culmination of years of planning and work to make sure this plane is a good fit for everyone onboard, and we think customers and team members are going to love it."
American has ordered a total of 100 A321neos. The fuel-efficient aircraft is powered by CFM LEAP-1A engines and is ETOPS-certified for over-water flights.
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