Key facts
- United Airlines' new Airbus A321XLR features sliding doors in its Polaris business class.
- The aircraft includes upgraded Premium Plus (premium economy) seats with privacy dividers.
- Economy class passengers will have access to a self-service snack bar.
- The A321XLR is designed for long-haul flights, capable of up to 11 hours nonstop.
- The new jet is expected to replace older Boeing 757 aircraft in United's fleet.
United Airlines has unveiled its latest Airbus A321XLR aircraft, marking a significant upgrade in its narrowbody fleet with enhanced premium cabin features. The jet, showcased at the Farnborough International Airshow, is designed to cater to higher-paying travelers with increased comfort and amenities for longer flights.
The most notable addition is the inclusion of sliding doors for the Polaris business class suites, a feature increasingly common in premium cabins. These suites convert into lie-flat beds up to 78 inches long and are equipped with 19-inch televisions, charging ports, and Bluetooth connectivity. The design underwent extensive sleep trials to ensure passenger comfort.
Premium Plus, United's premium economy offering, also sees improvements with new privacy dividers. Peter Wolkowski, United's director of onboard products and partnerships, highlighted the popularity of this section, noting the airline's effort to expand its size. Economy class passengers will benefit from a self-service snack bar and seats offering extra elbow room for an additional fee.
The A321XLR is expected to begin service later this year, replacing older Boeing 757s and enabling United to operate routes of up to 11 hours nonstop. These routes are anticipated to include destinations too far for most narrowbody jets but not demanding enough for widebody aircraft, such as northern Italy and West Africa.
The implementation of privacy doors presented certification challenges, requiring an additional flight attendant and careful consideration for emergency evacuations. However, Wolkowski confirmed that the doors will be fully functional from launch, unlike those on United's Boeing 787 Polaris, which are still undergoing certification.