Iberia's 1st Airbus A321XLR Flight Is Now Open For Booking

By Ivan PetrenkoJun 17, 2024 23:00 PMNews
Share:
white and blue airplane in the sky
white and blue airplane in the sky. Source: unsplash

Iberia, the Spain-based subsidiary and co-founder of the International Airlines Group (IAG), has launched the sale of its first Airbus A321XLR flights, set to take off in November. The inaugural flights will connect Madrid, Spain, with Boston, United States.

First Commercial A321XLR Flights

According to Iberia's website, the first A321XLR flight between Madrid Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport (MAD) and Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) is scheduled for November 14, 2024. Gary O’Donnell, the head of the Airbus A321XLR program, confirmed the news on LinkedIn, expressing pride in seeing the product enter service.

The aviation analytics company Cirium has also indicated that starting in November, Iberia will deploy the Airbus A321XLR on the MAD-BOS route, alternating with an Airbus A330. Iberia's CEO, Marco Sansavini, previously announced that the airline would begin using the A321XLR for flights to Boston and Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) during the winter season.

Switching Launch Customers

Initially, Aer Lingus, another IAG-owned carrier, was supposed to be the launch customer for the A321XLR. However, pictures shared on social media showed the first A321XLR with an Aer Lingus tail and winglets but with Iberia’s livery on the engine cowlings. This aircraft, manufacturer serial number (MSN) 11348, is powered by two CFM International LEAP-1A engines.

The first A321XLR is expected to be delivered in September, with another scheduled for delivery in December. However, a contract dispute between Aer Lingus and its pilots led to IAG reallocating the A321XLR delivery slots within the group. The Irish Independent reported that Aer Lingus failed to meet certain "cost structure assurances," prompting the reassignment.

Certification Questions

Despite the excitement, the A321XLR has not yet been certified by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) or the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Both agencies have concerns about the aircraft's unique design, specifically the integral rear center tank (RCT) that is integrated into the fuselage. Airbus entered the final certification and flight testing phase in late May and previously indicated that the first customer would receive the A321XLR in Q3 2024.

In Conclusion

The launch of Iberia's first Airbus A321XLR flights marks a significant milestone for the airline and the aviation industry. Despite the challenges and delays, the A321XLR is poised to offer enhanced range and efficiency, benefiting long-haul routes like Madrid to Boston.

Top Articles
Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Mar 3, 2025 18:00 PM
Practical Eco-Friendly Travel Solutions for Sustainable Tourism

Practical Eco-Friendly Travel Solutions for Sustainable Tourism

Feb 14, 2025 15:00 PM

Top Tips for Securing Your Luggage and Preventing Loss

Feb 7, 2025 14:00 PM

Your Guide to Hand Luggage and Baggage Rules

Feb 4, 2025 20:00 PM
More News
Railway worker repairing tracks during maintenance

Rail Closures to Disrupt Windsor Travel

Mar 22, 2025 12:27 PM
Spacious interior of Zurich Airport terminal with passengers seated near large glass windows

New European and North American Destinations from Zurich in 2025

Mar 22, 2025 10:31 AM

Hilton Announces Global Expansion for 2025

Mar 22, 2025 08:44 AM

Security Lane Upgrades at Liverpool Airport May Disrupt Travel Plans

Mar 22, 2025 06:29 AM
Busy Glasgow street with double-decker First Bus buses and historic architecture

Smart Travel Options Unveiled for Glasgow Matchday

Mar 22, 2025 04:32 AM
A historic stone archway in Cagliari, Sardinia, framing a scenic city view with palm trees and a lively square below

New Flight Routes Make Sardinia More Accessible for Travelers in 2025

Mar 21, 2025 23:35 PM
A close-up of a black British passport with a gold emblem on a white surface

British Travellers Urged to Check Passport Validity Rules Before Easter Holidays

Mar 21, 2025 21:44 PM
Burgas Airport departures terminal with travelers outside on a sunny day

Bulgarian Airports to Upgrade Landside Services

Mar 21, 2025 19:23 PM
A group of jockeys riding racehorses at full speed on a sandy racetrack, kicking up dust as they round a bend

Integrated Bus Service Enhances Travel to Scottish Grand National

Mar 21, 2025 17:34 PM

Air India and Air New Zealand Partner to Expand Travel Routes

Mar 21, 2025 15:46 PM

Hotels Turn to Personalization to Boost Rates

Mar 21, 2025 13:21 PM
A traveler with a suitcase walks through Hamad International Airport's modern terminal, featuring sleek architecture and spacious seating areas

Hamad International Airport Opens New Concourses to Ease Passenger Flow

Mar 21, 2025 11:36 AM
Emirates aircraft parked at Dubai International Airport during daytime

Emirates Expands A350 Network with New Destinations

Mar 20, 2025 22:38 PM
Cloud-covered green mountains with mist rolling over

Unsettled UK Weather This Weekend and Its Impact on Travel

Mar 20, 2025 20:41 PM
A Ryanair aircraft parked at the airport with a clear blue sky and passengers boarding in the background

Ryanair Expands Summer Schedule in Klagenfurt

Mar 20, 2025 18:24 PM

ixigo Expands Flight Options with Amadeus Integration

Mar 20, 2025 16:37 PM

Lufthansa Enhances First Class for Long-Haul Travelers

Mar 20, 2025 14:42 PM
An empty railway platform in Milan with a Trenitalia train in the background, marked with warning signs restricting track crossing

Rail Disruptions in Milan and Their Impact on Travel

Mar 20, 2025 12:26 PM
A seaside resort in Hurghada, Egypt, with palm trees and a view of the Red Sea and distant mountains in the background

Direct Flights from Aalborg to Hurghada Open New Winter Travel Options

Mar 20, 2025 10:39 AM
Amtrak locomotive at a station platform, ready for departure

Amtrak Unveils Exclusive Auto Transport Rail Deal for Florida Trips

Mar 19, 2025 23:49 PM
Railway construction work with heavy machinery near electrified tracks

Major Rail Delays Expected Near Loughborough This Weekend

Mar 19, 2025 20:36 PM
Statue of Lady Justice holding balanced scales, symbolizing fairness and law

Ryanair Takes Legal Action Over Passenger Misconduct

Mar 19, 2025 18:22 PM

ScotRail Warns Travelers of Disruptions for Hampden Match

Mar 19, 2025 16:47 PM

Joby and Virgin Atlantic Introduce Electric Air Taxi for Travelers

Mar 18, 2025 18:35 PM
Bustling pedestrian street in Chester with historic black-and-white timber buildings, shops, and outdoor cafes

Chester’s Historic Landmarks Become More Accessible with Open-Top Buses

Mar 18, 2025 16:23 PM
A commercial airplane approaching for landing against a pastel-colored sky at dusk

Stuttgart's Expanded Summer Routes Enhance Travel Opportunities

Mar 18, 2025 14:46 PM