Iberia and Riyadh Air have placed orders for the new Airbus A321XLR and A321neo respectively. Spanish carrier Iberia took delivery of the world’s 1st Airbus A321XLR destined for passenger service. Meanwhile, Riyadh Air, a newly established international airline based in Saudi Arabia, has officially ordered 60 aircraft of the A321neo family.
More specifically, the aircraft, 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 A321XLR to Iberia seats 182 passengers in a two-class layout with lie-flat business class seats with direct aisle access. Boasting the new Airspace cabin, the aircraft will provide passengers with long haul comfort in all classes. The XL bins provide 60% more luggage capacity for a more relaxed boarding experience for passengers and cabin crew. In addition, in-seat connectivity is available for passengers at every seat, and the latest lighting system enhances the overall passenger experience.
The A321XLR is the next evolutionary step from the A320neo which responds to market needs for even more range and payload, creating more value for the airlines. So far, Airbus has secured more than 500 orders for the aircraft.
The first A321XLR completed its maiden flight in June 2022. This was followed by an extensive test programme involving three test aircraft. As with all Airbus aircraft, the A321XLR aircraft is already able to operate with up to 50% SAF. Airbus is targeting to have its aircraft up to 100% SAF capable by 2030.
Regarding Riyadh Air, the agreement was signed at the Future Investment Initiative (FII) in Riyadh.
The A321neo is the largest member of Airbus’ best-selling A320neo Family, offering unparalleled range and performance. By incorporating new generation engines and Sharklets, the A321neo brings a 50% noise reduction and more than 20% fuel savings and CO₂ reduction compared to previous generation single-aisle aircraft, while maximising passenger comfort in the widest single-aisle cabin in the sky.
To date more than 6,700 A321neo have been ordered by more than 90 customers across the globe.
