Summary
- American Airlines has completed the first conversion of an A321T to standard seating.
- The specially configured A321 features 102 seats, but will be converted to 190 seats.
- The first aircraft is a prototype beginning the process that will be replicated on the other A321Ts over time.
American Airlines has reportedly finished converting its first Airbus A321 Transcon (A321T) to its standard A321 seating configuration. It comes as the Fort Worth, Texas-based airline is preparing to make way for its new A321XLRs that will replace the A321Ts.
Since 2014, American has operated a subfleet of 17 A321Ts. While the planes will not be retired from its fleet, they will be stripped of their premium features and will no longer fly exclusively on transcontinental routes to Boston, Los Angeles, New York, Orange County, and San Francisco.
“Always a favorite to fly”
Aviation watchdog JonNYC has followed the conversion process since January, and was the first to report the development. The aircraft, registered as N115NN, was removed from revenue service at the beginning of March. According to data from Flightradar24, its last flight with the A321T designation was AA16 from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) on March 7th. It was ferried to El Salvador International Airport (SAL) as AA9780 the following day and has remained there ever since.
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The A321T configuration comprises 102 seats and is the only single-aisle aircraft in the US to feature a three-class layout: Flagship First, Flagship Business, and the Main Cabin. Flagship First and Flagship Business have a total of 30 lie-flat seats, but the seating layout differentiates the classes. In Flagship First, the seats are in a spacious 1-1 configuration, while the seats are 2-2 across in Flagship Business. In the Main Cabin, there are 72 seats, albeit half of the seats are “Main Cabin Extra” seats with more legroom. Every seat has a seatback or bulkhead screen for inflight entertainment (IFE), AC power ports, and WiFi.
Photo: First Class Photography | Shutterstock
One pilot reflected on their experience flying the A321Ts in a quote obtained by JonNYC.
“I will miss the 321-T’s. Always a favorite to fly. Ice cream and cappuccinos sent up front about the time we cross the Mississippi, and always interesting people in the back. A couple would stop up and say hi.”
From 102 to 190 seats
Converting the A321T to American’s standard A321 configuration will involve a significant overhaul of the cabin. The layout, known as “Oasis” accommodates 190 seats in a two-class layout and is featured on the airline’s more than 200 examples of the aircraft type. Its domestic first class comprises 20 recliner seats with a pitch of 36 inches, while the main cabin has 170 seats, 35 of which feature increased legroom. The conversion also removes all seatback screens, meaning passengers will have to utilize their personal devices for IFE.
Photo: Charlotte Douglas International Airport
JonNYC reported that N115NN is a prototype and will be the only A321T to undergo conversion until the A321XLRs begin to be delivered. According to multiple reports, American expects to take delivery of its first of 50 A321XLRs this year, but an exact date has not been specified. It is also unclear when N115NN will return to revenue service.
Receiving approval
Simple Flying contacted American for comment, but a spokesperson could not provide further information.
“We have no additional details to share at this time about the retrofits of our A321Ts or the delivery of our first A321XLR.”
Although flight data does not indicate any ferry flights from SAL any time soon, JonNYC reports that N115NN’s conversion is “complete,” and it is expected to re-enter service in “a couple of weeks” as it awaits a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC).
According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the STC will be issued once American receives approval from the agency to modify its remaining 16 A321Ts from their original configuration.
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The carrier expects the conversions will be performed over “the next few years.”
