Just a few months have passed since Iberia, the Spanish flag carrier, inaugurated transatlantic flights using the Airbus A321XLR—marking its debut for long-haul service with a single-aisle aircraft.
In the upcoming months, travelers in the U.S. can look forward to increased appearances of this plane.
Recently, Iberia’s parent company announced that the Madrid-based airline will receive an additional seven A321XLR jets from Airbus, scheduled for delivery in 2025. The company highlighted the destinations for these new aircraft.
According to an earnings report from International Airlines Group, “All of them [are] to be deployed to the U.S.”
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Exciting Plans Ahead for A321XLR
Iberia envisions the fuel-efficient A321XLR jets as central to its future operations linking Spain with the East Coast.
With a smaller passenger capacity and operational costs that are lower than wide-body jets, this innovative aircraft type has generated enthusiasm among airlines for the possibilities it offers. It allows carriers to explore financially sustainable routes, including unconventional destinations that larger aircraft like the Boeing 777 or Airbus A350 cannot support.
Additionally, these jets enable airlines to maintain service during the traditionally slower winter months.
For instance, this winter, Iberia will operate its first transatlantic A321XLR flight to Boston Logan International Airport (BOS), having landed in November.
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This month, Iberia is set to operate 29 flights to BOS from its hub at Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD), according to data from aviation analytics firm Cirium. This marks a 30% increase from last year.
However, the total number of seats offered between Spain and New England remains fairly constant compared to last year, suggesting a significant reduction in the number of empty seats.
“The latest aircraft are paving the way for new route strategies,” IAG’s recent financial report remarked.
Other airlines are following suit. Aer Lingus, Iberia’s sister airline, aims to implement a new strategy in 2025 with nonstop routes to smaller U.S. cities, including Nashville and Indianapolis.
Likewise, American Airlines has indicated plans to introduce unique routes once it receives its own fleet of A321XLRs, ultimately replacing its older four-cabin Airbus A321T on premium transcontinental services.
Iberia is not only planning for winter operations; the airline also intends to increase flight frequencies to the U.S., with a focus on BOS and Dulles International Airport (IAD) near Washington, D.C. this year.
These additional flights are expected to contribute to what airlines anticipate as another outstanding year for European travel—especially between the U.S. and Spain; airlines will collectively provide 7% more seats between the two nations during the peak summer months of June, July, and August compared to last year, according to Cirium.
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Narrow-body Jet with Wide-body Comfort
While flying to Europe on a single-aisle aircraft may seem unconventional, many airlines are equipping these planes with premium amenities that rival those of long-haul flights—similar to JetBlue’s upscale Mint pods that have been in service across the Atlantic.
For instance, American Airlines’ A321XLRs will feature the new Flagship Business suites upon delivery of their narrow-body long-haul jets.
During a visit in November, Flying Frugal observed that Iberia’s latest aircraft feature 14 lie-flat business-class suites arranged in a one-by-one configuration, significantly surpassing the premium offerings available on its older wide-body planes.
Travelers interested in reserving seats on Iberia’s new A321XLRs can easily transfer points from American Express Membership Rewards, Bilt Rewards, and Chase Ultimate Rewards directly to Iberia Plus at a 1:1 ratio.
Additionally, members can also transfer points from Citi and Capital One to other airline loyalty programs that utilize Avios as their award currency.
You can also book award flights through one of Iberia’s Oneworld alliance partners, including American Airlines and Alaska Airlines operating in the U.S.
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