Spanish airline Iberia has officially presented the first Airbus A321XLR aircraft to have entered commercial service.
The aircraft, registered as EC-OIL, has been conducting revenue familiarization flights within Europe since November 6, 2024, but made its public debut during a media event at Iberia’s La Muñoza facilities near Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) on November 13, 2024.
The event comes just one day before the aircraft begins operating transatlantic flights, marking a significant milestone for the airline.
A “game-changer” for long-haul operations
During the event, Iberia’s CEO, Marco Sansavini, emphasized the transformative potential of the A321XLR for both the airline and the industry.
“This aircraft is a game-changer, enabling long-haul services with a fuel consumption per seat that is 30% lower than that of widebody aircraft,” said Sansavini.
The executive highlighted how the A321XLR allows the airline to operate routes such as Madrid to Washington-Dulles (IAD) year-round.
Previously, winter demand on this route was insufficient to justify deploying larger widebody aircraft like the Airbus A330. Additionally, the aircraft’s efficiency enables Iberia to add more frequencies to US destinations, bolstering its competitive edge in the transatlantic market.
Passenger comfort and advanced features
Sansavini assured that passenger experience on the A321XLR would rival that of Iberia’s twin-aisle aircraft. The narrowbody jet is equipped with 14 business class seats that recline to a fully flat position and an economy cabin with a standard seat pitch of 30 inches, matching the comfort levels of the airline’s widebody fleet.
Other enhancements include:
- Catering: Equipped with two galleys, including a steam oven, the A321XLR enables the crew to serve a wide range of hot meals. Catering quality matches that of Iberia’s long-haul widebody flights.
- In-flight entertainment: All passengers can access seatback screens and Iberia’s entertainment platform.
- Connectivity: The aircraft offers onboard internet for all passengers.
Fleet expansion and route deployment
This A321XLR is the first of eight aircraft Iberia will receive by the end of 2026. Initially, it will serve the Madrid-Boston (BOS) route, with the second aircraft set to join the fleet in early 2024 for the Madrid-Washington-Dulles route.
Strategic vision for the future
Sansavini used the occasion to outline key elements of Iberia’s upcoming Strategic Plan 2030, which focuses on:
- Strengthening financial and operational excellence.
- Developing Madrid as a major hub.
- Expanding Iberia’s Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) capabilities.
He also hinted at upcoming announcements regarding new A321XLR destinations, expected later this year.
Exclusive look inside
AeroTime was also given the opportunity to explore the interior of Iberia’s A321XLR during the unveiling event.
Check out our exclusive pictures below: