Iberia has become the first airline in the world to operate a commercial transatlantic service using the A321XLR. The flight departed on November 14, 2024, from Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport bound for Boston.
The aircraft, which was delivered to Iberia on October 30, 2024, has been making frequent European flights to both Paris and Stockholm, in preparation for its first transatlantic route.
This variant of the A321XLR has a range of up to 7,500 kilometres and also carriers fuel savings of more than 40% compared to wide-body models. With the launch of the new aircraft, Iberia is strengthening its long-haul fleet, with a particular focus on America.
“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.
The Spanish flag carrier is also set to add an additional seven XLR seven aircraft within the coming months.
Christian Scherer, CEO commercial aircraft at Airbus commented further: “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.”
In addition to Boston, the XLR is also set to operate services to the US capital, Washington DC.