Iberia has updated the media on operations for its four A321XLRs in a 182-seat, two-class configuration, with three more expected by the end of 2025.
The A321XLR enables new routes like Madrid-Boston, now year-round, and upcoming routes to Recife and Fortaleza, Brazil. Fuel consumption is better than expected, and the aircraft has had minimal groundings, except for one damaged by a bird strike in August.
Iberia’s A330/A350 fleet averages 15.5 hours of daily utilisation, with A320-family utilisation rising from 9.4 to 10.3 hours over a decade.
The commercial team is exploring additional A321XLR routes for future expansion due to its strong performance.
Ramiro Sequeira shared: “We are very happy with the XLR and it matched with our expectations, and even a little bit more. The aircraft is a game changer, not only because of the performance itself, but also the opportunity to start opening new markets.”
Natalia Martínez del Río shared: “We received the final repair instruction for the aircraft from Airbus on Sept. 30. The repair is very complex.”
Ramiro Sequeira shared: “I would say with this performance and how excited my colleagues are from the commercial side, I believe that we would like to have more.”
