Iberia will be the first airline in the world to take delivery of the Airbus A321XLR ('Xtra Long Range') later this year.
The honor was going to go to IAG member airline Aer Lingus, but The Irish carrier had to give up delivery due to a dispute over pilot pay..
Iberia has confirmed that it expects to receive the first narrowbody A321XLR – which made its first flight in 2022 – “at the end of summer.”
The airline said Washington, DC and Boston will “probably” be the first long-haul destinations, although “as with all newly delivered aircraft, it will operate medium-haul routes for the first few days.”
Iberia said the 182-seat aircraft will offer 14 fully flat business class seats with direct aisle access, 4K IFE screens, a large leather headrest and compartments for personal items.
It will also have The largest overhead bins recently introduced by Airbus that can carry up to 60 percent more carry-on luggage, as well as six cabin lighting settings and “an innovative panel at the entrance to the plane.”
Economy will have 168 Recaro CL3810 seats, with four-inch recline, leather headrests and two pockets to store personal items. Both cabins will offer Bluetooth connectivity to allow passengers to use their own headphones with the IFE system, as well as USB Type A and C charging ports.
There will also be Wi-Fi connectivity, and customers will be able to send messages on board for free.
Iberia said the A321XLR would consume around 30 percent less fuel than wide-body models. Following the first delivery, the airline will receive seven additional A321XLRs “in the coming months.”
Other major customers of the aircraft include American Airlines, United, IndiGo, Qantas, AirAsia X, Wizz Air and JetBlue.
iberia.com, airbus.com
