Iberia has completed the first passenger flight with the Airbus A321XLR to Paris Charles de Gaulle, marking a significant milestone for the airline. The aircraft, registered as EC-OIL, made its debut from Madrid Barajas Airport with a two-class layout accommodating 182 passengers. Despite delivery delays, Iberia plans to launch transatlantic flights with the A321XLR on November 14. The airline aims to use the aircraft on long-haul routes to the East Coast of the US, starting with Boston and Washington. The A321XLR is expected to bring new opportunities for Iberia’s fleet and expand its operations.
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Iberia Makes History with World’s First Passenger Flight of Airbus A321XLR
In a groundbreaking moment for the aviation industry, Iberia has successfully completed the world’s first passenger flight using the Airbus A321XLR. The Spanish flag carrier’s maiden voyage with this highly anticipated aircraft landed at Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) earlier today, marking a significant milestone in the A321XLR’s journey towards long-haul operations.
Registered as EC-OIL, the Airbus A321XLR took off from Iberia’s hub at Madrid Barajas Airport (MAD) at 08:18, slightly delayed from its scheduled departure time of 08:00. Nevertheless, the aircraft arrived in Paris ahead of schedule, touching down at 09:55 after a 97-minute flight. This successful short-haul journey sets the stage for Iberia’s upcoming long-haul operations with the A321XLR.
Following its Parisian debut, EC-OIL is set to embark on additional flights to and from Paris, as well as trips to Stockholm in the coming days. With plans to expand its fleet, Iberia is preparing to operate the A321XLR on transatlantic routes to destinations on the East Coast of the US, starting with Boston and Washington Dulles from Madrid.
Iberia’s decision to adopt the A321XLR comes after delivery delays, forcing the airline to adjust its schedules for the new aircraft. However, the wait was worth it as the airline recently received its first A321XLR, with a total of eight of these aircraft set to join Iberia’s fleet. The A321XLR will feature a two-class layout accommodating 182 passengers, with a focus on passenger comfort and state-of-the-art amenities.
As Iberia gears up for its long-haul A321XLR flights to the US, aviation enthusiasts eagerly await the expansion of this innovative aircraft’s presence in the skies. The A321XLR’s unique capabilities and Iberia’s strategic plans signal a new era in air travel, highlighting the continued evolution of aircraft technology and operational capabilities.
