Iberia to be the A321XLR launch customer (confirmed by Iberia CEO on 09May)
#1
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Join Date: Dec 2015
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Iberia to be the A321XLR launch customer (confirmed by Iberia CEO on 09May)
Long story short, IAG ordered 14 A321XLRs: 8 for Iberia and 6 for Aer Lingus. There were one of the first orders for the type so IAG managed to be the launch customer for the type. In principle, the first A321XLR was going to be delivered to Aer Lingus and they were going to be the launch airline. But there is an ongoing dispute between Aer Lingus (and therefore, IAG) management and the pilots union regarding compensation, and IAG management made very clear that or the dispute is solved (in their favor) or no new planes will be delivered to Aer Lingus. The deadline for allocating the first A321XLR is approaching fast and it seems that the dispute is near being solved, so Aer Lingus will not get the first A321XLR. While IAG said that the A321XLR can be allocated "elsewhere in the group", it is unlikely that they will go to BA or Level, since they have zero background preparation for this type - so the natural conclusion is that it will go to Iberia, that is expecting them and has planned for them. Of course, nothing is confirmed until is confirmed, but it is starting to become very likely. Also there is a possibility that all 14 A321XLRs will end up in Iberia rather than just 8, which will be an interesting development.
https://www.independent.ie/business/...235920733.html
///// Update 9 May //////
Confirmed by Iberia CEO - See post #7
https://www.independent.ie/business/...235920733.html
///// Update 9 May //////
Confirmed by Iberia CEO - See post #7
Last edited by schrodingerdog; May 9, 2024 at 12:27 pm Reason: Rumour confirmed
#3
Join Date: Jul 2022
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https://www.preferente.com/rss1/los-...lr-330958.html
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.
#4
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https://www.preferente.com/rss1/iber...lr-335060.html
https://www.preferente.com/rss1/los-...lr-330958.html
What configuration though, JWY like AZ's A32N?
https://www.preferente.com/rss1/los-...lr-330958.html
What configuration though, JWY like AZ's A32N?
#5
Join Date: Jul 2022
Location: Madrid
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For IB it will make a lot of sense to have a much less dense, premium-focused JWY configuration. In that way you partially reduce the "can of sardines" effect of using a narrowbody for transatlantic ops and also you do not put the aircraft to the limit. That said, if AerLingus planes are coming to IB, they will be in JY config, because Aer Lingus does not have Premium Economy. That can be a headache.
But seeing as IB has not retrofitted the exHainan A359s with W, probably not....
Last edited by csycsycsy; Apr 19, 2024 at 2:42 am
#7
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Iberia will be the launch customer for the A321XLR. Confirmed today by CEO Marco Sansavini on an event by Spanish newspaper Expansión.
The initial deliveries (after summer) will undergo testing in intra European routes before starting two routes in the winter season: Boston (BOS) and Washington (IAD) - not clear which one will be the initial route (they are thinking about it). IAD will go from summer seasonal to year round.
The initial deliveries (after summer) will undergo testing in intra European routes before starting two routes in the winter season: Boston (BOS) and Washington (IAD) - not clear which one will be the initial route (they are thinking about it). IAD will go from summer seasonal to year round.
#8
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Official announcement from Iberia
https://grupo.iberia.es/news/19052024/iberia-will-be-the-first-airline-in-the-world-to-add-the-new-airbus-a321xlr-to-its-fleet
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.
I don't really understand why IB is not fitting PE in these. It seems it is the perfect aircraft to go light in economy but have a decent size premium cabin (14 business class sits sounds about correct). Unless the first one will be a former Aer Lingus aircraft that has been transferred to IB.
PD: Is it possible to change the title of the thread? This does no longer seem to be a rumour...
https://grupo.iberia.es/news/19052024/iberia-will-be-the-first-airline-in-the-world-to-add-the-new-airbus-a321xlr-to-its-fleet
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.
PD: Is it possible to change the title of the thread? This does no longer seem to be a rumour...
Last edited by schrodingerdog; May 19, 2024 at 7:53 am
#9
Join Date: Jul 2022
Location: Madrid
Programs: IB+ Oro / OWS
Posts: 1,020
Official announcement from Iberia
https://grupo.iberia.es/news/19052024/iberia-will-be-the-first-airline-in-the-world-to-add-the-new-airbus-a321xlr-to-its-fleet
I don't really understand why IB is not fitting PE in these. It seems it is the perfect aircraft to go light in economy but have a decent size premium cabin (14 business class sits sounds about correct). Unless the first one will be a former Aer Lingus aircraft that has been transferred to IB.
PD: Is it possible to change the title of the thread? This does no longer seem to be a rumour...
https://grupo.iberia.es/news/19052024/iberia-will-be-the-first-airline-in-the-world-to-add-the-new-airbus-a321xlr-to-its-fleet
I don't really understand why IB is not fitting PE in these. It seems it is the perfect aircraft to go light in economy but have a decent size premium cabin (14 business class sits sounds about correct). Unless the first one will be a former Aer Lingus aircraft that has been transferred to IB.
PD: Is it possible to change the title of the thread? This does no longer seem to be a rumour...
(Also looked at ITA's 7 window-lenghts = 3 rows = 12 seats, same 7 WLs gives 4 rows = 24, so exactly 1/2)
But PE fares not usually x2, is probably why sadly no PE
On IB's A359 (v1) they can fit 28 PE seats, and on the PE-less v3 the same space can fit ~33 Y seats, so 84% or fares just need to be 17% higher, which it is.
Unless IB also installs real XL seats (so-called extra legroom, = AA MCE), then it's go J or go AA.
I guess it's how ITA made the math work?
#10
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Join Date: Dec 2015
Posts: 489
Looking at AA's A321NEO the Domestic First = what we call PE uses 9 window-lengths to 5 rows = 20 seats, and the same 9 WLs give 6 rows in Y = 36 seats so just about 1/2.
(Also looked at ITA's 7 window-lenghts = 3 rows = 12 seats, same 7 WLs gives 4 rows = 24, so exactly 1/2)
But PE fares not usually x2, is probably why sadly no PE
On IB's A359 (v1) they can fit 28 PE seats, and on the PE-less v3 the same space can fit ~33 Y seats, so 84% or fares just need to be 17% higher, which it is.
Unless IB also installs real XL seats (so-called extra legroom, = AA MCE), then it's go J or go AA.
I guess it's how ITA made the math work?
(Also looked at ITA's 7 window-lenghts = 3 rows = 12 seats, same 7 WLs gives 4 rows = 24, so exactly 1/2)
But PE fares not usually x2, is probably why sadly no PE
On IB's A359 (v1) they can fit 28 PE seats, and on the PE-less v3 the same space can fit ~33 Y seats, so 84% or fares just need to be 17% higher, which it is.
Unless IB also installs real XL seats (so-called extra legroom, = AA MCE), then it's go J or go AA.
I guess it's how ITA made the math work?
Anyway, maybe a retrofit will follow at some point. Recaro and others may do a special W seat for the A321XLR in order to save some space (maybe angled?).
#13
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Join Date: Dec 2015
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Assuming the 4700nm range promised by Airbus will hold in real life, this is what will be reachable from MAD
![](https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.flyertalk.com-vbulletin/1125x560/a321xlr_mad_3efc209d16d77d2ba852547724a5794093128176.jpg)
The first destination is going to be IAD (3800nm), and the second will be BOS (3400nm), so IB will be playing safe in terms of range. During the testing campaign, Airbus did a few MAD-MIA (4400nm) as part of the "showing the new toy" program for customers and as far as I know there were no issues reported.
![](https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.flyertalk.com-vbulletin/1125x560/a321xlr_mad_3efc209d16d77d2ba852547724a5794093128176.jpg)
The first destination is going to be IAD (3800nm), and the second will be BOS (3400nm), so IB will be playing safe in terms of range. During the testing campaign, Airbus did a few MAD-MIA (4400nm) as part of the "showing the new toy" program for customers and as far as I know there were no issues reported.
Last edited by schrodingerdog; May 20, 2024 at 1:02 am
#14
Join Date: May 2013
Location: MAD
Programs: IB+, BAEC
Posts: 3,205
I'd also put YYZ as a possible destination and depending on the situation in the middle east possibly YUL (IB has a huge business connecting into Israel and Montreal has a decent Jewish population).
I'd also look at restarting LAD.
Other outside options....IAH (Madrid actually has a very large oil and gas engineering sector). ATL, DEL, MAR
I'd also look at restarting LAD.
Other outside options....IAH (Madrid actually has a very large oil and gas engineering sector). ATL, DEL, MAR
#15
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Join Date: Dec 2015
Posts: 489
Iberia will go back to Canada for sure (they flew to both YYZ and YUL long time ago). It's the perfect plane for the market and it will break the Air Canada monopoly in Toronto. In Montreal, Air Transat already uses a A321LR to go to Madrid in summer season, so Iberia (A321XLR) + Air Transat (A321LR) + Air Canada (B787) may be too much.
Brazil is another strong rumor: Recife and/or Fortaleza
Brazil is another strong rumor: Recife and/or Fortaleza