Iberia, Spain’s flagship airline, has launched the Airbus A321XLR – the first narrowbody, single-aisle aircraft in the world that can operate transoceanic routes.
The XLR stands for ‘Extra-long Range’, indicating that this aircraft is designed to set new standards in modern transatlantic travel.
This new generation of Airbus can travel up to 4,000 nautical miles (approximately 5,400 miles or 7,408 kilometers) thanks to advanced structural, aerodynamic and software improvements.
Notable features include an integrated central fuel tank “powered by state-of-the-art CFM LEAP-1A engines,” enabling transoceanic flights with 30% less fuel consumption per seat compared to previous models.
“One of the great innovations of the A321XLR is to operate transoceanic routes with a single-aisle aircraft, providing a first-class service on par with our A330 or A350 and meeting our commitment to reduce emissions, as it consumes about 30% of greenhouse gas emissions. % less than wide body models,” says the company website.
The first outbound flight took off from Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport on November 14 at 12:35 p.m. and successfully landed in Boston at 2:50 p.m. local time – half an hour ahead of schedule – after 16 hours in the air.
Currently, the airline operates just one A321XLR, but it plans to integrate another seven into its fleet soon. This new generation of aircraft is expected to further expand Iberia’s reach to destinations where landing larger aircraft is not technically feasible.
“We are very proud to be the first airline in the world to fly the A321XLR. This is a real milestone in the aviation industry. With this new aircraft model we can strengthen our network and fly to new destinations for all our customers in an efficient and comfortable way.” said Marco Sansavini, President of Iberia.
Can this compact Airbus redefine comfort on long-haul flights?
When you think of a single-aisle plane, you might think of a cramped, uncomfortable plane. Nothing could be further from the truth. The A321XLR is designed to offer the same high comfort standards as larger widebody models such as the A330 and A350.
This Airbus has room for 182 seats, including 14 private business class seats. The latter each have a window view and direct aisle access, thanks to their tandem configuration.
“These fully flat seats convert into beds and feature a wide leather headrest, compartments for personal items and a structure designed to provide comfort and privacy,” says the airline.
Those who choose the economy cabin have a choice of 168 seats. Of course, it’s not possible to turn them into beds, but you can lean them back four inches to get some rest. Each seat also has two pockets for storing personal items.
In terms of entertainment, business class passengers enjoy individual 18.5-inch 4K screens. Additionally, each seat has a backlit number so the crew can locate you at night if necessary.
Passengers in the Economy cabin can also enjoy individual 12-inch 4K screens built into each seatback.
Regardless of your seat type, you can connect your Bluetooth headsets and access free Wi-Fi for messaging during your trip.
Other interesting aircraft features
The A321XLR kitchens are equipped with advanced, state-of-the-art amenities such as fan heaters to keep meals warm, bun warmers and even a high-speed espresso machine for tasty coffee.
Last but not least, this aircraft is equipped with four bathrooms with motion sensor faucets and pedal-operated waste bins, designed to protect passenger safety.
