Spain-based flag-carrier Iberia has become the first airline in the world to operate transoceanic routes with the narrow-body Airbus A321XLR. The flight took off 14 November, at 12:35pm from Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport bound for Boston, where it arrived at 15:20 local time.
The aircraft is equipped with the new Airspace cabin and has two classes, Business and Economy, with a total of 182 seats.
With the launch of a new aircraft, Iberia is strengthening its long-haul fleet, with a special focus on America. The first destinations to which the XLR is expected to fly are Boston and Washington DC (United States).
The airline will add seven additional aircraft of this model in the coming months, which will make it possible to incorporate new long-haul destinations into its network and will allow it to increase capacity in the cities it currently serves.
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Featuring a range of up to 4,000 nautical miles (7,500 kilometres), some 15% more than the A321LR (Long Range), this aircraft introduces structural, aerodynamic and software improvements, and features an integrated central fuel tank, allowing for extended range. It is powered by CFM LEAP-1A engines.
There are 14 Business Class seats, each of which includes an individual 18.5-inch screen and each seat has its own lighting system, which can be independently regulated to set the light to the desired ambiance. Each seat also has its own backlit number during night mode to make it easier to find.
Meanwhile, the Economy cabin features 168 seats of the Recaro CL3810 model, with a unit weight of almost two kilograms less than its predecessor. The seats offer a recline of up to four inches and are equipped with six-way adjustable headrests. An individual 12-inch screen with 4K resolution is integrated into each seatback.
All cabins on the new A321XLR allow customers to connect their own Bluetooth headsets and feature USB Type-A and Type-C charging ports. In addition, seat tables are designed to allow passengers to conveniently place and use their electronic devices during the flight. Like the rest of the long-haul fleet, the A321XLR offers connectivity so that customers can access complimentary WiFi for messaging throughout the flight.
The XL overhead compartments are more spacious, with up to 60% more capacity for hand luggage and the cabin also features six different cabin lighting modes and a new welcome panel at the entrance to the aircraft.
The galleys of the A321XLR also have some interesting new features, including bun warmers, an air heater that maintains the properties of food, and an espresso machine that can prepare a cup of coffee in less than 35 seconds.
Finally, the aircraft has four bathrooms equipped with antibacterial surfaces, motion-sensor taps and pedal-operated waste bins for greater hygiene and comfort.
“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.
Christian Scherer, CEO Commercial Aircraft at Airbus, said: “It is great to see the newest member of the Airbus family getting ready to take off on its first commercial transatlantic flight in Iberia’s vibrant colors! Routes like Madrid – Boston demonstrate the strategic value the A321XLR brings to the long haul market.
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