The A321XLR, ultra-long-range single-aisle jet, has had its world debut postponed until November 1. Iberia, its launch customer, had planned to put it on the Madrid-Paris route on October 28, but due to delays in delivery to Airbus, it rescheduled its route network.
As is the case when new aircraft enter service, the Spanish carrier put the A321XLR on local flights before debuting it on a transatlantic flight between Madrid and Boston, in the United States, on November 14.
The original plan included daily flights to London (Heathrow) and Paris (Charles de Gaulle), but the delay in the delivery of the first aircraft caused Iberia to withdraw the route to the United Kingdom.
With this, the A321XLR will only fly to the French capital between November 1st and 13th to familiarize crew and ground crews.
Iberia’s first A321XLR completed its maiden flight on October 1 and is expected to be delivered in the coming days.
Alternative to widebodies
Capable of flying up to 4,700 nm (8,700 km), the A321XLR has been eagerly awaited as it represents a low-cost alternative for long-haul flights compared to widebodies.
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Iberia will have a fleet of eight aircraft and intends to use them initially on routes to America. In addition to Boston, the A321XLR will fly to Washington (Dulles) starting January 15th.
The aircraft acquired by the IAG Group, owner of Iberia, are equipped with Leap-1C engines, a variant of which was certified in July by EASA. The A321XLR with Pratt & Whitney GTF turbofans is expected to be approved in early 2025.
