Iberia has once again made adjustments to its highly anticipated launch of the Airbus A321XLR, with the airline slightly delaying its commercial debut. Initially set to begin operations on October 28, 2024, the new entry-into-service (EIS) date is now scheduled for November 1, 2024. The first route to be flown by this advanced narrow-body aircraft will be between Madrid Barajas Airport (MAD) and Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG), with two daily flights planned.
The A321XLR is a crucial aircraft for Iberia as it represents the airline’s investment in modernizing its fleet while enhancing passenger experience with the extended range capabilities of the aircraft. Initially, the A321XLR was expected to operate between Madrid and both Paris and London before moving onto transatlantic routes. However, with the rescheduled EIS, the airline will now use the aircraft exclusively on Madrid–Paris routes for the first two weeks.
As per Cirium’s data, the A321XLR will then begin its much-awaited transatlantic operations on November 14, 2024. This will mark the first time the aircraft is deployed on long-haul flights between Madrid and Boston Logan International Airport (BOS). The A321XLR will allow Iberia to serve thinner transatlantic routes, providing the range of a widebody aircraft while maximizing fuel efficiency and cost-effectiveness in a narrow-body configuration.
Despite the delay, Iberia’s overall schedule for the A321XLR’s introduction to long-haul services remains unchanged. With its capacity for around 200 passengers and cutting-edge design, the A321XLR promises to play an essential role in Iberia’s future network expansion, particularly on long-haul routes that don’t require the larger capacity of traditional widebody aircraft. The reasons for the airline’s decision to postpone the original October 28 launch have not yet been disclosed. Simple Flying has reached out to Iberia for an official statement.
With the new schedule now confirmed, Iberia is one step closer to further optimizing its fleet with the Airbus A321XLR, which offers a modern and efficient solution for long-range flights. Travelers can soon expect to experience the aircraft on both European and transatlantic routes, as Iberia continues to fine-tune its operations to meet passenger demand and operational efficiency.
