Iberia's intention is to use the A321XLR to continue developing its transatlantic network. Specifically, it could be used to open new routes, as well as to replace the A350 in those long-distance destinations where demand is lower and where it does not make sense to operate with an aircraft of the size of the aforementioned model.

Iberia Will Be the First Airline in the World to Add the New Airbus A321XLR to its Fleet

• With this aircraft, Iberia will reinforce its long-haul network in an innovative way, as it will be able to make transoceanic trips with a single-aisle aircraft which is also more sustainable, as it consumes around 30 % less fuel than wide-body models.

• The A321XLR will offer the same experience on board, with 14 seats in the Business cabin that can open into beds, with access to the aisle and with 4K screens.

• The first long-haul routes that this aircraft will operate in the next winter season will likely be Boston and Washington DC., confirming Iberia's commitment to the North American market.

Iberia will be launching the new Airbus aircraft, as it will receive the first A321XLR on the market by the end of the summer.

This aircraft will strengthen Iberia's long-haul fleet and will do so in a more sustainable and innovative way by offering the possibility of operating the airline's transoceanic routes with a narrow-body aircraft, i.e., one with a single aisle.

This will reinforce the airline's network of destinations with a special focus on America, because, in addition to having more units with the range to make transoceanic trips, the A321XLR will allow for more efficient use of the fleet in accordance with the demand of each of the airline’s markets. In fact, the first long-haul destination* to which this new model will travel will likely be Washington DC and then Boston.

*As with all newly delivered planes, for the first days it will operate medium-range routes.



A Premium Experience with a Single Aisle

One of the great innovations offered by the A321XLR is its ability, as a single-aisle aircraft, to make long-haul flights, while also providing a premium service at the same level as that enjoyed in wide-body models like the A330s and A350s in Iberia’s fleet.

This model will have 182 seats arranged in a Business and Economy cabin configuration, and will include various improvements that offer greater comfort to passengers, such as larger overhead compartments, which can store up to 60 % more carry-on suitcases, six different cabin lighting styles, and an innovative panel at the entrance to the plane, among others.

In its Business cabin, the A321XLR will have 14 individual window seats with direct access to the aisle. In addition, the seats will offer maximum comfort, with a 'full flat' seat that converts into a bed, a wide leather headrest, compartments for personal items and a structure that offers great comfort and privacy.

All Business seats have an 18-inch individual 4K screen, offering sharper images and better tones in dark mode. All this, accompanied by the best entertainment on board.

For improved comfort, each seat will have its own lighting system, which can be adjusted independently to the desired environment, while each seat will have its number backlit during night mode, so that it can be more easily found.

Likewise, the Airbus A321XLR will have 168 seats in the Economy cabin with the latest Recaro model, the CL3810, which evolved from the seats on current long-haul aircraft, with a four-inch recline and leather headrests. The seats will have two additional pockets to store personal items.

All cabins in the new A321XLR will offer passengers the possibility of bringing their own headphones and connecting them via Bluetooth. In addition, they have improved type A and C USB charging ports. The seat trays allow customers to place their own electronic devices so they can use them more comfortably.

Like the rest of the long-haul fleet, the A321XLR will provide connectivity so that customers can connect to its free WiFi service for messaging throughout the flight.

Lastly, the plane has four bathrooms with antibacterial surfaces, faucets with motion sensors and a pedal-operated waste container.



Sustainability, a Key Factor

In keeping with Iberia’s commitment to reduce its operations’ emissions, this aircraft will operate long-haul flights more sustainably, as it uses around 30 % less fuel than wide-body models.



A Reinforcement for the Long-Haul Network

The first A321XLR is scheduled to join Iberia’s fleet after the summer, when, along with the seven additional aircraft of this model that Iberia will receive in the following months, it will allow the airline to continue to expand its network of long-haul destinations, as well as to increase capacity in the cities it currently flies to.