Iberia Completes the First Airbus A321XLR Commercial Flight

On November 6, 2024, Iberia has operated the first-ever revenue flight of the Airbus A321XLR. The newly delivered aircraft, registered as EC-OIL, took off from Madrid-Barajas International Airport (MAD) at precisely 08:18 local time, heading towards Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG), where it arrived around 10:00 local time. This flight marks the dawn of a new era for Iberia, pioneering efficient long-haul operations using the cutting-edge A321XLR model.

Airbus formally handed over the aircraft to Iberia on October 30, 2024, from its Hamburg-Finkenwerder (XFW) facility in Germany. This new addition is configured to accommodate 182 passengers, including 14 seats in the premium business class cabin. The Spanish flag carrier’s new A321XLR is designed to bring remarkable operational advantages, particularly for long-distance routes with lower passenger demand.

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Familiarization Flights: Iberia’s Preparations for Transatlantic Service

In the initial phase of deployment, Iberia plans to operate the A321XLR on familiarization flights to key European destinations, including Paris-Charles de Gaulle (CDG) and London-Heathrow (LHR). This period of short-haul operations during early November 2024 will prepare Iberia’s crews and systems for the upcoming transatlantic missions.

Following this familiarization period, the A321XLR is scheduled for service on transatlantic routes, with Boston-Logan International Airport (BOS) confirmed as the aircraft’s inaugural U.S. destination. This strategic deployment allows Iberia to utilize the A321XLR’s long-range capabilities, connecting Europe with North America while maintaining cost-effectiveness on thinner, long-haul routes.

A Game-Changer for Point-to-Point Transatlantic Services

Iberia Airbus A321XLR — Photo by ***Airbus***

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The Airbus A321XLR stands out in its class by offering an extended range that enables airlines to consider new, thinner routes that were previously unfeasible with conventional aircraft. This efficiency opens up the potential for point-to-point services linking secondary cities across the Atlantic, bypassing the need for large hubs. For airlines like Iberia, this flexibility means they can offer more direct, convenient options for passengers while expanding their market reach.

The Complex Path to Iberia’s Historic First Delivery

The path to this milestone wasn’t straightforward. Originally, Lebanese carrier Middle Eastern Airlines (MEA) was slated to become the launch customer of the A321XLR. However, the delivery schedule was adjusted, and the aircraft’s first slot was instead allocated to the International Airlines Group (IAG), the parent company of Iberia.

Initially, IAG’s Irish subsidiary, Aer Lingus, was expected to be the A321XLR’s debut operator. Yet, labor disputes at Aer Lingus necessitated a shift in strategy, leading IAG to assign the honor of the first delivery to Iberia. This decision not only positioned Iberia at the forefront of the A321XLR’s operational journey but also underscored IAG’s flexibility in adapting to operational challenges across its subsidiaries.