Five years after it was announced at the Paris Airshow 2019, Airbus has delivered the first passenger-ready A321XLR to Spanish flag carrier Iberia. The aircraft will be used for familiarisation flights over the next couple of weeks before being put on its first transatlantic flight.
Iberia receives the first A321XLR from Airbus.
Today, Spanish flag carrier Iberia took delivery of its first A321XLR, which became the launch operator of the world’s newest single-aisle aircraft.
The First Passenger Ready A321XLR preparing for its ferry flight from Hamburg to Madrid (Image Courtesy Airbus)
The aircraft, powered by CFM LEAP-1A engines, will be operated by Iberia on several regional flights across the airline’s European network before its first transatlantic mission from Madrid to Boston later in November.
The newly delivered A321XLR to Iberia seats 182 passengers in a two-class layout with lie-flat business class seats with direct aisle access.
Boasting the new Airspace cabin, the aircraft will provide passengers with long-haul comfort in all classes. The XL bins provide 60% more luggage capacity for a more relaxed boarding experience for passengers and cabin crew. In addition, in-seat connectivity is available for passengers at every seat, and the latest lighting system enhances the overall passenger experience.
Marco Sansavini, CEO & Chairman at Iberia, said
We are very proud to be the launch airline for this new Airbus aircraft. The A321XLR will allow us to reach new destinations, operating transoceanic routes and doing so in a more efficient way.
Christian Scherer, CEO of Commercial Aircraft at Airbus, said
Five years in the making, the newest member of the Airbus family is all set to join its first operator, Iberia. The A321XLR will enable countless new non-stop destinations; it truly opens a new chapter in air connectivity. It is another proud “first” for all of us at Airbus in our constant quest to innovate and bring value to our customers. We are pleased to share this special moment with a special customer: gracias y felicidades Iberia.
The A321XLR is the next evolutionary step from the A320neo, which responds to market needs for even more range and payload, creating more value for the airlines. It will deliver an unprecedented Xtra Long Range of up to 4,700nm – 15% more range than the A321LR with 30% lower fuel burn per seat compared with previous generation competitor aircraft and reduced NOx emissions and noise. So far, Airbus has secured more than 500 orders for the aircraft, including 70 from Indian carrier IndiGo. IndiGo expects to induct its XLR aircraft in 2025.
The first A321XLR completed its maiden flight in June 2022. This was followed by an extensive test programme involving three test aircraft. As with all Airbus aircraft, the A321XLR can operate with up to 50% SAF. Airbus aims to have its aircraft up to 100% SAF capable by 2030.
Bottomline
After a not-so-long wait, the successor to the Boeing 757 has arrived on the scene, with Iberia receiving its first A321XLR from Airbus. The A321XLR will conduct its first transatlantic flight in mid-November 2024 for Iberia, and from there, hopefully will end up on even longer routes designed to exploit the range the aircraft can offer. Airbus has over 500 such planes on order.
What do you think of long-haul single-aisle travel?
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