Iberia to Become Global Launch Operator for Airbus A321neo(XLR)

Iberia has been designated as the global launch operator for the A321neo(XLR). This announcement comes after IAG International Airlines Group, Iberia’s parent company, shifted the launch responsibilities from Aer Lingus due to operational considerations.

Originally, Aer Lingus was set to be the first airline to receive the A321neo(XLR), however, due to ongoing pay disputes with the Irish Airline Pilots’ Association (IALPA), IAG reassigned the launch to Iberia, reflecting a strategic pivot based on commercial viability.

Iberia is now poised to introduce the A321neo(XLR) on long-haul narrowbody routes from Madrid Barajas to both Boston and Washington Dulles. The aircraft will feature a two-class configuration with 14 business class seats and 168 economy seats. Although a specific delivery date has not been confirmed, Iberia’s first A321neo(XLR), msn 11504, already features the airline’s branding on its tail and wings.

The A321neo(XLR) represents a significant advancement in Airbus’s lineup, boasting extended range capabilities that cater to long-haul routes traditionally operated by larger widebody aircraft. IAG’s initial order in 2019 included fourteen A321neo(XLR)s, split between Aer Lingus and Iberia.

However, the A321neo(XLR) is still undergoing certification, with Airbus targeting a 2024 entry into service. The certification process has encountered a recent development, as the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a notice on April 29 proposing special conditions for the aircraft. These conditions pertain to additional safety standards for the plane’s integral rear centre tank (RCT), focusing particularly on the safety performance of the fuel-tank skin in post-crash fires.

Due to the A321neo(XLR)’s unique design, which omits traditional fuselage insulation, the FAA has stipulated that special conditions are necessary to ensure an equivalent level of passenger protection against external fuel-fed fires. The FAA’s document outlines that the lower half of the fuselage must resist penetration from such fires, ensuring consistent safety levels across modern transport category airplanes.

Comments on the FAA’s proposed special conditions are open until June 21, 2024. This regulatory step is critical as Airbus progresses towards finalizing the type certification, which will enable Iberia to commence commercial operations with the new aircraft model. The A321neo(XLR)’s entry into service is highly anticipated, given its potential to reshape long-haul narrowbody travel with enhanced efficiency and extended range.