United to launch A321XLR transatlantic service in December

United Airlines plans to bring the Airbus A321XLR into international service this winter. The carrier said the aircraft will start flying transatlantic routes from Washington Dulles to Amsterdam and Dublin on December 1, with tickets going on sale August 27.

Before that international launch, United intends to use the A321XLR on select domestic routes starting in September. It has not said which ones yet.

Patrick Quayle, the airline's senior vice president of global network planning and alliances, called the aircraft suited to long-haul missions despite its narrowbody size. Speaking at a news conference, he said United's version of the jet has a different onboard product than what other carriers currently flying the type provide.

The cabin will include 20 Polaris business class suites, each with a privacy door, plus 12 Premium Plus seats, for 32 premium seats total. United says that is 16 more premium seats than on the Boeing 757-200 the aircraft is set to replace on some routes.

Other features include 4K OLED entertainment screens with Bluetooth connectivity, complimentary Starlink Wi-Fi for members of the airline's loyalty program, and a snack bar in the economy cabin. United is also adding an Economy Plus option with extra space and a shared table arrangement across an open middle seat.

Quayle said the cabin product, combined with new nonstop routes to cities that currently require connections, has left the airline optimistic about how the aircraft will perform once it enters service.