Airbus' A321XLR is about to launch. See what to expect on board the first airlines to fly the jet, like Qantas and American.

<p class="ingestion featured-caption">American is installing new lie-flat business class seats on its upcoming A321XLR narrowbody.American Airlines</p><ul class="summary-list"><li>Spanish carrier Iberia is scheduled to fly the first Airbus A321XLR passenger flight in November.</li><li>The new long-haul narrowbody jet has secured over 550 orders since 2019 and European certification.</li></ul><p>Airbus is months away from launching its brand-new narrowbody jetliner, the A321XLR.</p><p>Since its 2019 debut, the "extra long range" jet, which can <a target="_blank" class href="https://www.businessinsider.com/airbus-a321xlr-will-be-a-game-changer-2023-7">open previously inefficient or unreachable routes</a>, has secured over 550 orders. In July, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency certified the A321XLR for passenger flights, and it's <a target="_blank" class href="https://www.airbus.com/en/newsroom/stories/2024-07-a321xlr-approaching-the-finish-line-for-certification-and-service-entry">nearing</a> approval from US regulators.</p><p>Spanish flag carrier Iberia is the first airline expected to fly the plane, with its first flight scheduled from Madrid to Boston on November 14. Flights to Washington Dulles would begin on January 15.</p><p>The plane's launch is set to <a target="_blank" class href="https://www.businessinsider.com/airbus-a321-xlr-plane-launch-game-changer-new-routes-iberia-2024-7">kickstart a new era of long-haul flying</a> from every corner of the globe. Mainline carriers like American Airlines, Qantas, and Air Canada and low-cost carriers like Hungary's Wizz Air and India-based IndiGo are all expected to eventually operate the jet.</p><p>Such a diverse order book means <a target="_blank" class href="https://www.businessinsider.com/how-to-avoid-jet-lag-red-eye-compared-daytime-transatlantic-2024-3">passengers can expect varying cabin</a> experiences across the budget and legacy fleets. Most mainline competitors are expected to install <a target="_blank" class href="https://www.businessinsider.com/review-flying-business-class-first-time-klm-worth-it-2024-8">lie-flat business class</a> to accommodate up to 11-hour-long treks and lucrative fares, while budget options are largely sticking to traditional layouts that maximize seats.</p>