Iberia has become the first airline in the world to operate transoceanic routes with the new Airbus A321XLR, a narrow-body aircraft, that is, one with a single aisle. The first flight took off, 14 November, at 12:35pm from Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport bound for Boston, and arrived at 15:20 local time.
Iberia is the global leader in this aircraft model, which has a range of up to 7,500 kilometres in this configuration. It is also one of the most efficient aircraft on the market, with fuel savings of more than 40% compared to wide-body models. The A321XLR maintains the high standards of comfort characteristic of other long-haul aircraft in Iberia’s fleet, such as the A350. It is equipped with the new Airspace cabin and has two classes, Business and Economy, with a total of 182 seats.
With the launch of a new aircraft, Iberia is strengthening its long-haul fleet, with a special focus on America. The first destinations to which the XLR is expected to fly are Boston and Washington DC (United States).
The airline will add seven additional aircraft of this model in the coming months, which will make it possible to incorporate new long-haul destinations into its network and will allow it to increase capacity in the cities it currently serves.
“We are very proud to be the first airline in the world to start flying with the A321XLR. This is a real milestone in the aviation industry. This new aircraft model allows us to strengthen our network and fly to new destinations in an efficient and comfortable way for all our customers” said Marco Sansavini, President of Iberia.
Christian Scherer, CEO Commercial Aircraft at Airbus, said: “It is great to see the newest member of the Airbus family getting ready to take off on its first commercial transatlantic flight in Iberia’s vibrant colors! Routes like Madrid – Boston demonstrate the strategic value the A321XLR brings to the long haul market. We are proud to play a key role in Iberia’s expansion plans with this game changing aircraft, while providing its passengers with unmatched comfort in its Airspace cabin.”
Since it was delivered to Iberia on 30 October, this aircraft has been making European flights to Paris and Stockholm, as part of the usual preparation of each new aircraft before starting long-haul flights tomorrow.
New Generation
Iberia’s A321XLR offers an unprecedented Xtra Long Range of up to 4,000 nautical miles (7,500 kilometres), 15% more than the A321LR (Long Range).
This aircraft introduces structural, aerodynamic and software improvements, and features an integrated central fuel tank, allowing for extended range. It is powered by state-of-the-art CFM LEAP-1A engines.
Comfortable Flights
The A321XLR offers customers the same comfort standards that characterise wide-body models such as the A330 and A350 in Iberia’s fleet. Its 182 seats are distributed between Business and Economy cabins.
The Business cabin features 14 individual seats, each next to a window and with direct access to the aisle. These full-flat seats can be turned into beds and feature a wide leather headrest, compartments for personal items and a structure designed to provide comfort and privacy.
Each Business Class seat includes an individual 18.5-inch screen with 4K resolution, offering a crystal-clear image and enhanced tones in dark mode. All of this is complemented by the best in-flight entertainment system.
For added convenience, each seat has its own lighting system, which can be independently regulated to set the light to the desired ambiance. Each seat also has its own backlit number during night mode to make it easier to find.
The Economy cabin features 168 seats of the RECARO-made CL3810 model, with a unit weight of almost 2 kilograms less than its predecessor. The seats offer a recline of up to four inches for greater comfort and are equipped with six-way adjustable headrests and two additional pockets to store personal items. An individual 12-inch screen with 4K resolution is integrated into each seatback.
All cabins on the new A321XLR allow customers to connect their own Bluetooth headsets and feature enhanced USB Type-A and Type-C charging ports. In addition, seat tables are designed to allow passengers to conveniently place and use their electronic devices during the flight. Like the rest of the long-haul fleet, the A321XLR offers connectivity so that customers can access complimentary WiFi for messaging throughout the flight.
The XL overhead compartments are more spacious, with up to 60% more capacity for hand luggage.
The cabin also features six different cabin lighting modes and a new welcome panel at the entrance to the aircraft.
The galleys of the A321XLR also boast great new features. They have bun warmers, an air heater that maintains the properties of food, and an espresso machine that can prepare a cup of coffee in less than 35 seconds.
Finally, the aircraft has four bathrooms equipped with antibacterial surfaces, motion-sensor taps and pedal-operated waste bins for greater hygiene and comfort.
Source Iberia
