The first Airbus A321XLR set to be delivered to the United States (US) has been spotted at the planemaker’s facility in Toulouse, France, emblazoned with the American Airlines livery.
The ultra-long range single aisle jet was photographed by a keen-eyed aviation enthusiast on several occasions this week, most notably on March 25, 2025, as the new aircraft completed its first runway check.
In a significant development, the new Airbus A321XLR, currently registered as D-AZAB, was also spotted with its two CFM International LEAP-1A engines fitted.
Images of the same American Airlines aircraft were captured in 2024, when only the had been tail painted in the carrier’s distinctive colors.
today first runway check from the first #A321xlr for #American #Airlines N300ny by #Airbus in #Hamburg @flightradar24 @AmericanAir . First flight in the next days @ikarosairline two more currently in production from AA pic.twitter.com/r8evQi3gBu
— Tobi (@Tobias_Gudat) March 25, 2025
Last year, both the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) certified the Airbus A321XLR with CFM International LEAP-1A engines.
This CFM engine powered variant of the aircraft was selected by launch customer Iberia and Aer Lingus, both of which have already received their first A321XLRs, plus Wizz Air and American Airlines.
EASA approval for the A321XLR with Pratt & Whitney PW1000G engines has slipped until at least 2025. It is unclear when the FAA will certify this aircraft type, for which United Airlines is waiting.
First A321xlr @AmericanAir n300yn #american #aitulines by Airbus in Hamburg pic.twitter.com/QRnE3iVmdz
— Tobi (@Tobias_Gudat) March 25, 2025
American Airlines ordered 50 Airbus A321XLRs in 2019 with the bulk of the fleet expected to arrive with the carrier between 2025 and 2029.
The Airbus A321XLR will be configured with 20 private business class suites and will eventually replace American Airlines’ current fleet of A321Ts.
Iberia took delivery of the world’s first commercial ready Airbus A321XLR on October 30, 2024, and completed its first revenue flight from Madrid-Barajas International Airport (MAD) on November 6, 2024.
The Airbus A321XLR aircraft, a long-distance variant of the A321neo, is capable of reaching distances of up to 4,700nm.
Airbus describes the aircraft as offering “single-aisle economics on widebody routes”, with 45% lower trip costs for passengers when compared to flying on a larger jet.
