Spanish national carrier Iberia marked a significant milestone in aviation history Wednesday as it took delivery of the world’s first Airbus A321XLR, introducing a new generation of single-aisle aircraft capable of flying longer routes.
The aircraft, registered as EC-OIL (MSN 11504), was ferried from Hamburg Finkenwerder Airport to Madrid following the delivery ceremony. Powered by twin CFM LEAP-1A33X engines, the new A321-253NY variant features a configuration of 14 business class and 168 economy seats.
“We are very proud to be the launch airline for this new Airbus aircraft,” said Marco Sansavini, CEO and Chairman at Iberia. “The A321XLR will allow us to reach new destinations, operating transoceanic routes and doing so in a more efficient way.”
The A321XLR represents the latest development in Airbus’s single-aisle portfolio, offering an extended range of up to 4,700 nautical miles. The aircraft boasts a 15% longer range than its predecessor, the A321LR, while reducing fuel consumption by 30% per seat compared to previous generation aircraft.
The new aircraft features lie-flat business class seats with direct aisle access. The cabin incorporates Airbus’s latest Airspace design, which includes expanded overhead bins with 60% more capacity and in-seat connectivity throughout the cabin.
“Five years in the making, the newest member of the Airbus family is all set to join its first operator, Iberia,” said Christian Scherer, CEO Commercial Aircraft at Airbus. “The A321XLR will enable countless new non-stop destinations; it truly opens a new chapter in air connectivity.”
The prototype aircraft completed its maiden flight in June 2022, followed by extensive testing involving three test aircraft. It is currently capable of operating with up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), with Airbus targeting full SAF compatibility by 2030.
Airbus has so far secured more than 500 orders for the A321XLR.
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