United Airlines placed a significant order for 70 Airbus A321neo aircraft in June 2021. Finally, the first of these aircraft has been spotted, awaiting paint and engines, at Airbus' Hamburg-Finkenwerder facility (XFW).

The NEXT Chapter

United's order for 70 A321neo and an additional 50 for the A321XLR are integral to the airline's "NEXT" initiative. This plan sees the carrier taking delivery of more than 230 planes by the end of next year and also having more than 700 total planes in its fleet by 2033.

Perhaps one of the most notable facets of United NEXT is the cabin retrofit program. With this, United aims to retrofit its entire existing mainline narrowbody fleet with modern amenities like seatback entertainment screens with Bluetooth connectivity in all classes, larger overhead bins, and USB ports and power outlets at all seats.

The first aircraft retrofitted with the NEXT cabin, a 25-year-old Airbus A319 registered N801UA, is already in service and operating flights with its swanky new interior. Regarding economy class, this is the cabin that passengers can expect on the new A321neo.

A321 vs. 757

As United receives more A321neo jets, it plans to gradually phase out its 40 Boeing 757-200s. The carrier also operates 21 of the longer 757-300, however, these are said to remain in the fleet for a little longer.

The 757 has been integral to United's success over the years both on domestic and short-to-medium-haul international markets. 

Thanks to the 757-200s size and range, United has been able to launch so-called "long and skinny" international routes. These routes are called such because of their long flight length, but "skinny" with regards to the low demand that they might see. 

As such, using a smaller 757 is justified instead of a larger 767 or 777. Certain examples include newly-resumed services like Chicago (ORD) to Shannon (SNN) and Newark (EWR) to Stockholm (ARN).

The upcoming A321XLRs make the most sense to replace the 757-200 on these longer international routes. It also would not be outlandish to assume that these planes will have a similar Business Class setup to the current 757-200s. 

However, we could even see United adopt the famous 1-1, 2-2 "staggered" Business Class setup currently offered on the A321neo with airlines such as TAP Air Portugal. Some rumors have also stated that United could implement a 1-1 Polaris configuration.

This wouldn't be the best option if United is looking to cram more seats into Business Class, however, it would surely seem more appealing, especially to solo travelers. Such travelers would have the option to select seats in the 1-1 configuration that would give them a space that's normally reserved for two seats all to themselves.

Elevated Experience

The new A321neo, according to Airbus, offers an impressive environmental performance. The plane boasts the lowest CO2 emissions per seat of any narrowbody aircraft. Such an innovation further supports the United NEXT program, especially the airline's goal of fully reducing its CO2 emissions by 2050.

Furthermore, the aircraft features Airbus' "Airspace" cabin. This cabin features customizable hero lighting that is said to combat jet lag. In addition, the cabin has slimmer side wall panels that allow for wider seats to be installed.

Aside from redesigned windows, improved LED lighting, and overhead bins, the cabin also features new lavatories with touchless features and antimicrobial surfaces.

While United's first A321neo will be built in Hamburg, Airbus has noted that it plans to build a "significant number" of future planes at the Airbus' American facility in Mobile, Alabama.