Airbus Delivers First A321XLR to Launch Customer Iberia

DALLAS - On a historic day for the European manufacturer, Airbus delivered the world’s first unit of the Airbus A321XLR series to Iberia (IB), which climbed to become the launch customer in May 2024.

The airline, a member of the International Airlines Group (IAG), is expected to commence commercial operations with this airframe in early November on flights to Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) for crew training.

On the other hand, its transatlantic debut is scheduled to take place on November 14, with a non-stop flight between Madrid (MAD) and Boston (BOS) as IB347. These are the routes the A321XLR's interior is designed for. In IB's case, the narrowbody aircraft will offer 168 Economy Class seats and 14 full-flat beds for its Business Class passengers.

Christian Scherer, CEO of Airbus Commercial Aircraft, said: “Five years in the making, the A321XLR 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.”

On the delivery day, October 30, the first unit with registration EC-OIL will land at Iberia’s hub, Madrid-Barajas Airport, at 7:20 P.M. local time. IAG placed a total order of 14 units plus another 14 options, presumably split between Iberia and Aer Lingus (EI), the Irish flag carrier.