Iberia Expands Airbus Fleet with New A321XLR and A350 Models

Iberia, the Spanish flag carrier and a member of the oneworld alliance, is significantly expanding its all-Airbus fleet as it moves into 2025. Current data from ch-aviation reveals that the Madrid-based airline operates a total of 129 aircraft, all of which are twinjets manufactured by Airbus. The average age of the fleet is approximately 10.4 years. Looking ahead, Iberia has placed orders for an additional 25 Airbus twinjets, further enhancing its operational capabilities.

Focus on the A321XLR

A notable development in Iberia’s fleet is the introduction of the Airbus A321XLR. The airline currently operates four of these long-range narrowbody aircraft, which boast an impressive average age of just 0.5 years. Iberia plans to double its A321XLR sub-fleet by placing orders for four more units. According to data from aeroLOPA, Iberia configures its A321XLR jets with a two-class layout, accommodating a total of 182 passengers. This configuration includes 14 lie-flat business class seats arranged in an angled 1-1 layout, alongside 168 economy class seats in a standard 3-3 arrangement.

Marco Sansavini, CEO and Chair of Iberia, expressed pride in being the launch airline for the A321XLR, stating, “The A321XLR will allow us to reach new destinations, operate transoceanic routes, and do so in a more efficient way.”

Broadening the Narrowbody Fleet

The A321XLR is part of a broader offering of Airbus narrowbody aircraft in Iberia’s fleet. Alongside the A321XLR, the airline operates 12 A321neo aircraft, averaging 3.5 years in age, primarily under the Iberia Express brand. These A321neos feature a flexible two-class layout, with the capacity for 232 seats, which can be adjusted for various passenger loads.

Iberia also operates 13 A321-200 aircraft, with a slightly lower capacity of 217 seats. The fleet includes 24 A320-200 aircraft, of which 13 are under the Iberia Express brand, and 20 A320neo models, with an additional 13 on order. The A320neo provides enhanced seating with 186 seats compared to the A320-200’s 180 seats. Additionally, Iberia has three A319-100 aircraft, averaging 17.5 years, configured for 141 passengers.

Widebody Operations and Future Plans

In tandem with the narrowbody fleet, Iberia relies on a robust selection of widebody aircraft, essential for long-haul flights to high-demand destinations. The airline operates 20 A330-200 and 10 A330-300 aircraft, with average ages of 9.6 years and 12.3 years respectively. The A330-200 accommodates 288 seats in a two-class configuration, while the A330-300 offers a slightly higher capacity of 292 seats but with a more premium-focused layout.

Iberia’s fleet also includes 23 A350-900 aircraft, which have an average age of 4.7 years. These modern aircraft can be configured with either 348 or 352 seats in a three-class layout or 33 seats in a two-class setup. The airline has placed orders for an additional eight A350-900s, underscoring its commitment to expanding its long-haul capabilities.

With its strategic investments in both narrowbody and widebody aircraft, Iberia is well-positioned to enhance its operational efficiency and expand its route network in the coming years. The continued focus on modern Airbus models ensures that the airline can meet the evolving demands of international air travel while providing high-quality service to its passengers.