United to fly A321XLR first on domestic routes from Washington Dulles

United Airlines has disclosed the first routes for its incoming Airbus A321XLR narrowbody. They are not the transatlantic sectors many had expected.

According to the airline's schedule, the extra-long-range jet will begin service between Washington Dulles International Airport and both San Diego and Los Angeles. These domestic assignments are currently listed through November 30.

After that date, United is expected to move the aircraft onto international routes, the purpose for which the A321XLR was primarily designed. The type is built to fly longer, thinner routes than a typical narrowbody can manage. That gives carriers a smaller aircraft option for markets that might not support widebody service.

Starting the jet on domestic runs lets United bring the new type into its fleet gradually. Crews and ground staff get to work with the aircraft before it takes on longer international sectors. Airlines introducing new aircraft types often follow this pattern, easing them into shorter, familiar routes before putting them on more complex long-haul missions.

No further detail was given on which international markets the A321XLR will eventually serve from Washington Dulles or other United hubs. The airline has previously indicated broad interest in using the type to open new long, thin routes across the Atlantic. Specific city pairs, however, have not yet been confirmed for this aircraft's rollout.