Iberia’s Chief Operating Officer, Ramiro Sequeira, stated that the new Airbus A321XLR has exceeded all expectations of the Spanish flag carrier, confirming that this aircraft type has become crucial for opening new markets and optimizing existing routes. As reported by Aviation Week, Sequeira emphasized in Madrid on September 30 that Iberia is extremely satisfied with the performance of the aircraft, which has been in the airline’s fleet for just under a year.
“We are very happy with the A321XLR, not only because of its performance but also because of the opportunity to open new markets. This aircraft is truly a game changer for us,” Sequeira told Aviation Week, adding that the A321XLR enables the launch of routes that lack sufficient demand for widebody aircraft, as well as the ability to increase frequencies on existing ones.
One example of such a successful deployment is the Madrid–Boston route, which initially operated seasonally but now, thanks to the A321XLR, runs year-round. Iberia was also the first Oneworld member airline to launch transatlantic operations with this type of narrowbody aircraft.
During the upcoming winter season, Iberia will open two new routes to Brazil – from Madrid to Recife and Fortaleza – while the commercial department is already planning additional destinations for next year. Sequeira also highlighted the aircraft’s strong operational reliability: “We have had almost no AOG (aircraft-on-ground) situations, and fuel consumption is even slightly lower than projected in our business plan.”
Iberia currently operates four A321XLRs in a 182-seat configuration and plans to take delivery of three more by the end of the year. The eighth aircraft from the initial order is expected in early 2026. Despite one aircraft (registration EC-OOJ) being damaged after a bird strike in August, Sequeira noted that deliveries remain on schedule.
The Spanish carrier does not rule out the possibility of acquiring additional A321XLRs, even though the current business plan calls for a fleet of eight. “Given the performance and the enthusiasm of our colleagues from the commercial department, I believe we will want more,” Sequeira added.
