Inside the 1st-Ever A321XLR Bound for Iberia

The first ever Airbus A321XLR was delivered to Spanish airline Iberia in MAdrid, Spain on Wednesday. The new single-aisle aircraft comes with accommodations ideal for lengthy flights, with the airline customizing this aircraft to strengthen business class offerings.

Iberia's New Ride

Spanish flag carrier Iberia had the honor of receiving the first Airbus A321XLR, the longest-range A320 to date. This aircraft is expected to officially join Iberia's fleet as early as November 5. The airline has seven more of these aircraft on order, which are slated to be delivered throughout 2025.

Reports suggest that over 100 units of this aircraft are currently on order from airlines such as American, United, Wizz Air, Air Canada, and Iceland Air. Iberia CEO and Chairman Marco Sansavini shared his thoughts on the first delivery in the new Airbus press release:

“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 more efficiently.”
 

Airbus CEO of Commercial Aircraft Christian Scherer also had enlightening words on the launch of the A321XLR:

"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."

Inside Iberia's Cabin

The long-range aircraft is capable of carrying up to 220 passengers in a typical two-class configuration. Iberia's new aircraft has a capacity of 182. This setup consists of 168 economy class seats and 14 flatbed business class seats. 

The economy seats inside Iberia's A321XLR will be R3 seats made courtesy of Recaro. This is considered the highest-quality economy seat from Recaro, providing comfort to last long flights. The R3 also provides decent legroom of 25 inches front-to-back and can be customized to include tray tables and entertainment screens.

Iberia chose Thompson Aero's Vantage Solo seat for business class customers. These seats are installed in a reverse herringbone layout where users have adequate space to relax, easy viewing out the window, and convenient access to the aisle way. The Vantage Solo seat is currently used on A321LR and A321neo flights from JetBlue.

The cabin layout was leaked in mid-September outlining the business class in the front of the aircraft and the economy class behind it.Airbus's press release has since revealed more details from inside the cabin:

"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."

The A321XLR is capable of running using up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). The press release adds that the new aircraft also burns 30% less fuel per seat compared to aircraft from previous generations.

The new aircraft is already scheduled for its first commercial flight from Madrid to Boston, Massachusetts on November 14, expanding the airlines' trans-Atlantic services. The aircraft will then change its route to and from Washington D.C. starting in January 2025.