American Airlines Unable to Receive First A321XLR Due to Seat Shortage

The first Airbus A321XLR aircraft scheduled to join the American Airlines fleet is still sitting at Airbus’s Hamburg facility, despite having completed painting, assembly, and testing. Although the aircraft has technically been delivered, it’s not yet operationally ready due to the absence of cabin seats.

According to industry sources, delays in the global supply chain have held up the shipment of business, premium economy, and economy class seats. The aircraft will eventually feature a total of 155 seats (20 business, 12 premium economy, and 123 economy class seats).

The airline placed an order for 50 A321XLRs in 2019 and plans to deploy them on long-haul international routes — particularly transatlantic flights — starting from late 2025.

Due to delays in aircraft deliveries, many airlines are continuing to operate older planes or are refurbishing their cabins to keep them in service.