Iberia presents its new Airbus A321-XLR, which debuts on a flight to Boston (USA)
A new milestone in the history of the airline under the Spanish flag Iberia. The IAG Group-owned airline will operate its first transoceanic commercial flight tomorrow, Thursday 14 November, on its new single-aisle single-aisle aircraft. Airbus A321-XLR which was presented this Wednesday at its facilities in La Muñosa in Madrid.
The aircraft, a model developed by the European manufacturer for IAG, was delivered on 30 October. It will depart tomorrow Thursday at 12:35 from Madrid-Barajas airport. is heading to the American city of Boston, where it will arrive at 15:20 local time, which Iberia will do launching airline of this aircraft all over the world.
In the future, when the remaining seven units are added, will also fly to the US capital Washington.. The airline will take delivery of its second aircraft in January and expects the remaining six to arrive over the next year and into early 2026, which will be used to increase frequency to several American destinations it already flies to. To prepare for landing on the other side of the pond, Iberia taxied the aircraft on flights to Paris (France) and Stockholm (Sweden).
The company highlighted the important milestone in its activities that it represents operate a long-haul route with a narrow-body aircraftcapable of reaching 7,500 kilometers of battery life – hence its abbreviation XLR, Ultra long range– thanks to the addition of an integrated central fuel tank.
All this allows for significant savings on operating costs and fuel consumption, using 40% less than its wide-body counterparts. It also offers a 15% greater range than the A321LR (Long Range), up to 4,000 nautical miles, equivalent to 7,500 kilometers.
Inside, it is equipped to the same standards as other long-haul aircraft, with a new interior. Airspace which offers more space at the top of the plane. It has two classes: Business (with 14 individual seats that convert into beds and direct aisle access) and Economy with 162 lighter seats than its predecessors.
Additionally, it includes structural, aerodynamic and software improvements; a kitchen with large amenities and four bathrooms with antibacterial surfaces. These units will be joined by six more that IAG will transfer to its Irish airline. Air Linguswhich will also operate intercontinental flights from Dublin.