It seems that Iberia will be the launch carrier for the Airbus A321XLR (the extra-long range variant of the Airbus A321neo), with the airline unveiling a little more about how they intend to offer it.
Iberia will aim to launch the first Airbus A321XLR towards the end of the summer 2024 period. Let us see what they are planning.
Cabin Configuration
Iberia has confirmed that their first A321XLR will operate in a two-class cabin configuration, with 14 Business Class seats and 168 Economy Class seats.
In its Business cabin, the A321XLR will have 14 individual window seats with direct access to the aisle. They will convert into full-flat beds featuring a wide leather headrest, compartments for personal items and a structure that offers great comfort and privacy. They will all feature an 18-inch individual 4K screen, with individual lighting systems, which can be adjusted independently to the desired environment, while each seat will have its number backlit during night mode.
Meanwhile, in Economy Class, the airline has opted for the long-haul variant of the Recaro CL3810. These will feature a four-inch recline and leather headrests. The seats will have two additional pockets to store personal items.
Both cabins will feature larger overhead bins to stow luggage and six phases of mood lighting.
IFE and Connectivity
To connect to the Inflight Entertainment system, passenger can utilise airline-supplied headphones – or bring their own, connecting over Bluetooth. To power your devices, type A and C USB charging ports are supplied.
Like the rest of the long-haul fleet, the A321XLR will provide connectivity so that customers can connect to its free Wi-Fi service for messaging throughout the flight, as well as paid internet access.
Finally, but perhaps most importantly, the aircraft will have four bathrooms with antibacterial surfaces, faucets with motion sensors and a pedal-operated waste container.
Deployment
Transatlantic appears to be the name of the game for Iberia, with them seeking to strengthen its long-haul network.
According to the airline, they will likely operate to Boston and Washington DC in the first instance.
It’s more than likely to appear on short to medium-range routes in the first few flights to allow for crew familiarity and training missions too.
No Aer Lingus for now
It seems that IAG and Aer Lingus crews could not come to an agreement for the first deployment of the Airbus A321XLR – which may impact some routes, given that Minneapolis was due to be the first destination to use the type.
That being said, if they finally get the type, it’s an easy slot in, considering that Aer Lingus operates the A321LR already.
For now, Aer Lingus’s loss is Iberia’s gain as it can try its hand at single-aisle long-haul operations.
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No premium economy?
None that’s been confirmed.