Iberia will take delivery of its eight A330-200s ordered last year as converted options some 14 months early thanks to a new agreement with Airbus. The aircraft will now deliver between December 2015 and November 2016. They will replace Iberia’s A340-300s.
The new aircraft will replace Iberia’s A340-300s. The airline said that the earlier delivery dates will also speed the upgrading of Iberia’s entire long-haul fleet with the new cabins, fittings, and entertainment and communications systems.
Iberia is currently renewing its long-haul fleet and also its long-haul cabins. In recent years the IAG parent has ordered 24 new long-haul aircraft for Iberia, the eight A330-300s delivered in 2013 and 2014; the eight A330-200s; and eight A350-900s to be delivered later.
Meanwhile, the company is refitting its 17 A340-600s with the new long-haul cabins and equipment, including new seat that turn into flat beds in business class, roomier seating in economy class, and entertainment on demand via touch screens for all passengers, plus Wi-Fi and GSM connectivity, and many other innovations and enhancements.
Currently, about 80% of Iberia’s long-haul fleet boasts the new interiors and other features.