American Airlines gives insight into A321XLR interior

American Airlines’ Kimberly Cisek, VP Customer Experience
American Airlines has given a preview of its forthcoming A321XLR Airspace interior, which it says will bring a ‘true long-range experience’ to its narrowbody fleet.
Kimberly Cisek, VP Customer Experience at American Airlines, unveiled details of the new aircraft as part of an Airbus media briefing on the opening morning of this year’s Aircraft Interiors Expo (AIX) in Hamburg, Germany.
According to Cisek, the airline has taken a holistic approach to the interior, which has been influenced and driven by its flagship business class suite – the first time a privacy suite will feature on an American Airlines narrowbody aircraft.
Whilst exact details were not confirmed, a video did give an impression of what the passenger experience will include, such as a new trim and finish, XL bins, Bluetooth connectivity, wireless charging and new IFE screens.
The new A321XLRs will also feature the airline’s true premium economy.’
From this point in time, Airbus Airspace will be the standard on the XLR, providing a widebody experience on single-aisle aircraft.
Inngo Wuggertzer, VP of Cabin Marketing also confirmed an MoU with Hughes Aviation Group for Ka-band as part of Airspace Link. Under the new agreement, Hughes will become a managed service provider (MSP) for the Airbus HBCplus catalogue offering to airlines.
It was also announced that Philippines Airlines had selected HBCplus for nine aircraft and that an undisclosed airline had become the first single-aisle customer for the HBCplus service from SES.