Spanish flag carrier Iberia has taken delivery of its first A-321XLR airplane, becoming the launch operator of the world’s newest single-aisle aircraft.

The plane, powered by CFM LEAP-1A engines, will be operated by Iberia on a number of regional flights across the airline’s European network before its first transatlantic mission from Madrid to Boston later in November.

The newly delivered A-321XLR to Iberia seats 182 passengers in a two-class layout with lie-flat business class seats with direct aisle access. This model is the next evolutionary step from the A-320neo and delivers an Xtra Long Range of up to 4,700nm – 15% more range than the A-321LR and with lower fuel burn per seat compared with previous generation aircraft, as well as reduced NOx emissions and noise. So far, Airbus has secured more than 500 orders for the aircraft.

The first A-321XLR completed its maiden flight in June 2022. This was followed by an extensive test programme involving three test aircraft. As with all its aircraft, this model is already able to operate with up to 50% SAF and the industry is targeting to have its airplanes up to 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel capable by 2030.