United Airlines opens five new European routes on its Airbus A321XLR

United Airlines will begin transatlantic Airbus A321XLR service on December 1 from Dulles to Dublin and Amsterdam, expanding coverage on thinner routes. United Airlines’ transatlantic A321XLR uses a narrow-body aircraft with an extended range to connect European markets that may not support wide-body aircraft. United’s A321XLR cabins include 20 Polaris Business Class Suites with lie-flat seats and doors, three Premium Plus rows in a 2-2 layout, and Economy options with extra legroom and a snack bar. United chief commercial officer Andrew Nocella said the configuration is a priority because flights can last up to eight hours. The December 1 departure will be United’s first international commercial flight on the A321XLR, ahead of European routes planned for 2027 and a fleet of 50 aircraft by the end of the decade.