The first commercial flight of the Airbus A321 XLR will take place today, on Iberia’s Madrid (MAD) to Boston (BOS) route. The Spanish airline, which is launch operator for the A321 XLR, took delivery of the first of its eight aircraft on order on 30th October. Ahead of today’s landmark inaugural transatlantic journey, Iberia has flown familiarisation flights on intra-Europe routes to ensure cabin crew provide optimal service in the 182-seat aircraft and that any maintenance issues are ironed out.
Cabin crews know the standards required: the same level of service offered in Iberia’s twin-aisle fleet of A330s and A350s. Iberia has also strived to equal the widebody cabin experience in the narrowbody XLR, particularly in the 14-seat business-class cabin. No angled lie-flats here: Iberia has opted for the experience long-haul business passengers now expect, with fully flat beds and direct aisle access.
The VantageSOLO model has been selected, developed by Thompson Aero Seating and the Factorydesign studio specifically for long-range single-aisle aircraft. Thompson was the first seat manufacturer to design and certify this type of seating product, and in addition to Iberia, airlines such as JetBlue and Saudia have also placed orders.
The inward-facing angled seat is available with options of an open aisle end, a fixed privacy screen, or a door that creates an enclosed suite. The layout offers a good level of privacy as standard, as the passenger’s head is well away from the aisle, so Iberia decided that the fixed screen option would be sufficient.
Factorydesign and Thompson have collaborated to create a luxury in-seat experience, with soft, natural elements selected for the trim and finish. Warm, woven materials give a welcoming feel, and pale wood-effect trims continue the theme. The grey tones of the scheme are lifted by ‘pops’ of Iberia’s red and yellow brand accents, reflecting both Iberia’s brand colours and those of the Spanish flag, to remind passengers they are on board the country’s flag carrier airline.
Each seat also features its own lighting system, which passengers can adjust to create their own preferred atmosphere, while 18in 4K IFE monitors keep them entertained in this new area of extra-long-haul narrowbody routes.
All passengers benefit from the Airspace cabin of the A321 XLR, with its bright, modern architecture, a striking entrance area, and spacious XL stowage bins with a generous luggage capacity.
James McNally, programme manager at Thompson Aero Seating commented, “The VantageSOLO is both elegant and efficient. Because it has been developed specifically for the long-range narrowbody market, it makes the absolute most of every inch of space available, giving the passenger impressive comfort and privacy. We were delighted to work with Iberia on such an exciting project.”
Iberia’s inaugural A321 XLR flight is IB347, leaving Madrid at 12:35, due to arrive in Boston 8 hours 45 minutes later.
Marco Sansavini, CEO and president of Iberia, added: “We are very proud to be the launch airline for this new Airbus aircraft. The A321 XLR will allow us to reach new destinations, operate transoceanic routes, and do so more efficiently. And we do so while providing our business customers with all the comfort that VantageSOLO offers”.
There is also news in the 168-seat economy cabin, as Iberia’s A321 XLR passengers will be the first to experience the Recaro R3 seat. Previously named the CL3810, Iberia is launch customer for the model, which features a composite backrest with an integrated IFE monitor and USB type A and C charging ports. Comfort features include a six-way adjustable headrest with integrated neck support, and comfort cushions and armrests, all customised with the Iberia colours and dress covers.
The R3 seat design also includes a redesigned version of Recaro’s patented ‘steward step’, which can be used by crew and passengers to facilitate easier access to the overhead bins.
