Airport News

American Airlines adds new airplane with WiFi and XL overhead bins

Look, the plane.

Photo courtesy of American Airlines

American Airlines' newest plane made its maiden run and is now ready to join the family.

It's the airline's first Airbus A321neo, and according to a release, it touched down at Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) shortly before noon February 1, following an 8 1/2- hour nonstop flight from Hamburg, Germany.

After clearing customs, the plane heads to an airline maintenance facility in Pittsburgh, where it will spend a couple of weeks undergoing acceptance checks conducted whenever the airline adds a new aircraft type to its fleet.

The Tech Ops — PIT team will install Wi-Fi and other customized elements. After that, it will go around visiting other American bases before entering service.

The A321neo — "neo" stands for "new engine option" — will begin flying customers between Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport in Arizona and Orlando International Airport in Florida in April.

Once the company takes more deliveries, additional routes will include PHX–Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport in Alaska over the summer, and PHX and Los Angeles International Airport to Hawaii later this year.

The A321neo will replace retiring Boeing 757s. American has ordered 100 neos, with deliveries set to come in over the next several years.

It's an upgrade from the A321, able to fly an additional 400 nautical miles, thanks to improved fuel burn from the new engines. That extra 400 miles puts new destinations within reach.

The neo seats 196 passengers. It has power at every seat and free wireless entertainment to each customer's own device, including free live television. That's a nice way of saying that they've removed the video screens from the back of the seats.

Additionally, American is the launch customer for Airbus' new XL overhead bins which increase capacity. Bigger suitcases for everyone.

It also has more seats: 196. Airline blog View From the Wing notes that airlines are required to have one flight attendant for every 50 passengers, so 196 sneaks in under 200. They accomplish this by offering less distance between seats, less padding for each seat, and smaller bathrooms.

The plane has 20 seats in first class, with five rows (one more than the current four). There are 47 "Main Cabin Extra" seats and 129 regular coach seats.

American signed up for the "Cabin Flex," or "NX," option of the A321neo, which has a new door configuration.

The A321neo is part of an order for 460 aircraft placed by American in 2011, which also included 100 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft. American's fleet has become the youngest among U.S. network airlines.

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Dining with the stars

Glen Powell’s Smash Kitchen condiments land on American Airlines flights

American Airlines, Glen Powell Smash Kitchen

Photo courtesy of American Airlines

AA is now serving Glen Powell's Smash Kitchen condiments.

American Airlines is elevating the in-flight dining experience with the help of one of the hottest actors on the planet right now. The Fort Worth-based airline is now serving Smash Kitchen condiments, co-founded by Glen Powell.

The Texas native, Austin resident, and star of hit films like Top Gun: Maverick, Twisters, and Hit Man, launched Smash Kitchen with partners Sameer Mehta and Sean Kane in 2025 as a better-for-you brand.

According to Food & Wine, the condiments are made with organic and non-GMO ingredients, without unnecessary and artificial additives. The brand launched with eight products, including yellow and Dijon mustards; classic and hot-honey ketchups; American-style and hot-honey barbecue sauces; and regular and spicy mayonnaise.

Hot and spicy is a theme.

"Powell’s energetic, down-to-earth Texas spirit has helped the brand gain a devoted following, making its debut in the skies a natural fit for American and its Texas roots," says a release from American Airlines.

Passengers who order Classic American Sliders and Fries - which AA calls a "fan favorite," - will now be able to slather on or dip into Smash Kitchen condiments. They're available for domestic First Class customers when preordered through aa.com or American’s mobile app, and with the seasonal sandwich available for purchase in Main Cabin, the airline says.

Not mentioned: Whether Glen Powell movies are part of the in-flight entertainment lineup. One hopes American doesn't miss that opportunity for brand tie-in.

"Smash Kitchen brings an energy and flavor profile that aligns perfectly with American’s commitment to offering customers a more premium, more memorable inflight experience,” says American’s SVP of customer experience and design strategy Rhonda Crawford in the release. “We’re excited to introduce these sauces on board and continue growing partnerships that reflect our dedication to great food at every stop of the traveler’s journey.”

The Smash Kitchen partnership is the latest in American's commitment to improving its customer experience. Other recent new menu additions include Dallas' acclaimed Pecan Lodge BBQ, Champagne Bollinger and Lavazza coffee, both in lounges and in flight.

For those staying grounded, Powell's Smash Kitchen products - which also include potato chips and cooking oils - can be purchased through the website and at Wal-Mart stores.

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