SPECIAL LIVERY - IBERIA /A320NEO / EC-NJY - Iberia unveils a Disney-themed plane featuring Olaf and Buzz Lightyear.

Photo: IBERIA

 

SPECIAL COLOURS - IBERIA / A350-900 / EC-MYX - "Despega un equipo. Vuela un pais"

IBERIA
 

SPECIAL STICKER - Iberia unveils commemorative aircraft for the Centenary of the Great Flights of Spanish Aviation.

Iberia unveiled an Airbus A350-900 with a special livery in honor of the Centenary of the Great Flights of Spanish Aviation. The aircraft, registration EC-EOS, received a commemorative sticker with a logo developed by the Spanish Air Force.

 The Centenary of the Great Flights of Spanish Aviation, celebrated between 2026 and 2035, is an initiative of the Spanish Air Force that commemorates the pioneering missions carried out between 1926 and 1935. This period honors aviators who contributed to positioning Spain at the forefront of world aviation, connecting the country to Ibero-America, the Philippines, and Africa.

SPECIAL LIVERY - IBERIA / A321-200 / EC-JZM - "Cantabria"

Marco Moutinho

 

FLEET / ORDER - IAG announces Airbus and Boeing-orders

During the presentation of its Q1-2025 financial results, the International Airlines Group, IAG, announced it has placed orders for 71 new widebody aircraft with both Airbus and Boeing.

For British Airways, the Group firmed-up options for six A350-1000s and six B777-9s. It has also placed new orders for 32 B787-10s, with options on another ten.

For Iberia, IAG firmed-up options for six A350-900s.

A new type ordered by IAG is the A330-900. A total of 21 have been ordered, with options for another thirteen. IAG said it can deploy these new widebodies with Aer Lingus, Iberia and/or LEVEL.

Deliveries of the new aircraft is set to begin in 2026 and will continue until 2033.

Photos: Duncan Stewart - LAX

 

FLEET - Airbus delivers first A321XLR to Iberia

Hamburg, Germany – Spanish flag carrier Iberia has taken delivery of its first A321XLR, becoming the launch operator of the world’s newest single-aisle aircraft.

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.

Marco Sansavini, CEO & Chairman at Iberia, said: “We are very proud to be the launch airline for this new Airbus aircraft. The A321XLR will allow us to reach new destinations, operating transoceanic routes and doing so in a more efficient way.”

Christian Scherer, CEO Commercial Aircraft at Airbus, said: “Five years in the making, the newest member of the Airbus family is all set to join its first operator, Iberia. The A321XLR will enable countless new non-stop destinations; it truly opens a new chapter in air connectivity. It is another proud “first” for all of us at Airbus in our constant quest to innovate and bring value to our customers. We are pleased to share this special moment with a special customer: gracias y felicidades Iberia.”

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. It will deliver an unprecedented Xtra Long Range of up to 4,700nm – 15% more range than the A321LR and with 30% lower fuel burn per seat compared with previous generation competitor aircraft, as well as reduced NOx emissions and noise. 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.

AIRBUS

SPECIAL SCHEME - IBERIA / A330-200 / EC-MGG

Iberia has applied on an Airbus A330-200 the same decals of the stopover program «Only in Madrid» that wears already an A350. Once more, only on the left side.
José Ramón Valero

ROUTES / FLEET - IBERIA SCHEDULES A321XLR LONDON / PARIS LATE-OCT 2024 LAUNCH

Iberia in the last few days filed revised service launch to its Airbus A321XLR aircraft. The A321XLR aircraft will now operate service within Europe from 26OCT24, ahead of planned US service from 14NOV24.

Planned A321XLR European operations as of 15SEP24 as follows, further changes remains possible.


Madrid – London Heathrow 
26OCT24 IB3170/3163 (A321XLR inaugural)
27OCT24 – 31OCT24 IB711/712

Madrid – Paris Charles de Gaulle
26OCT24 IB3398/3425
27OCT24 – 13NOV24 IB589/590
01NOV24 – 13NOV24 IB585/586

 Planned A321XLR service debut on Madrid – Boston from 14NOV24 and Madrid – Washington Dulles from 15JAN25 remains unchanged.

FLEET / ORDER - Spain’s Iberia schedules A321neo(XLR) EIS for mid-4Q24

Iberia (IB, Madrid Barajas) has scheduled the entry into service (EIS) of the first A321-200NY(XLR) for November 14, 2024, connecting Madrid Barajas to Boston, ch-aviation research has revealed.

Then, on January 15, 2025, Iberia will deploy the new extra-long-range narrowbody jet into scheduled service to Washington Dulles. The A321neo(XLR) will have a two-class configuration with 14 seats in business and 168 in economy.

Earlier this year, the IAG International Airlines Group dropped Aer Lingus (EI, Dublin International) as the global launch operator of the XLR, after a pilot pay dispute was not resolved in time, exchanging it instead for Iberia in this role. Due to this reason, there are currently two A321neo(XLR)s, msn 11348 and 11504, that could be the first delivered to Iberia.

Msn 11348 was supposed to be the first taken by Aer Lingus, and would have become EI-XLR upon delivery. However, it was recently spotted with the Irish company’s livery on its tail but Iberia’s logo on the engine. Meanwhile, msn 11504 has both its tail and engine with Iberia’s livery.

ch-aviation has asked the IAG for comment on which aircraft will be the first to be delivered to Iberia.

In 2019, IAG ordered fourteen A321neo(XLR)s, six of which were initially destined for Aer Lingus and eight for Iberia. The aircraft type still needs to be certified, with Airbus saying in May that the ongoing certification and flight-test campaign is in its final stages.
CH Aviation

SPECIAL SCHEME - IBERIA / A350-9 / EC-NIG - "Only in Madrid"

 José Ramon Valero - MAD

SPECIAL SCHEME - IBERIA / A320-200 / EC-MCS - 75 anos Volando......Puerto Rico"

José Ramon Valero - Madrid
 

Just landed, on flight HU1070 HAK-MAD First of two A350 for Iberia, ex Hainan Airlines (B-1070)

José Ramon Valero - MAD
 

SPECIAL COLORS - IBERIA / A320-214 / EC-KOH - wears this "Cantabria Inifinita"

José Ramon Valero - MAD
 

IBERIA / EC-NVR / A350-900

 Ton Jochems

Airbus delivers its 500th A350 - Airbus delivers its 500th A350 and unveils its new Production Standard 2022.

Airbus delivers its 500th A350 and unveils its new Production Standard 2022.

225 million passengers, more than 900 routes and over 400 orders in the backlog. At the end of September 2022, Airbus celebrates its 500th A350 delivery with an aircraft for Iberia. With this milestone, the A350 Family is continuing to spread its wings to all corners of the world. Check it out! 

A growing versatile family

The 500th A350 - an A350-900 - was recently delivered to Iberia, a major European customer with 20 A350s on order and 14 in service. Beyond a symbol, the 500th A350 marks an important milestone for Airbus and its growing versatile family, now including the A350-900, the A350-1000 and the newest Airbus freighter A350F. With enhanced performance, 25% less fuel burn and CO2 emissions and 50% less noise footprint compared to previous generation aircraft, the A350 family continuously attracts operators 8 years after its entry-into-service offering both high versatility - up to 9,700nm/18 000 km - and efficiency.

"When we designed the A350 and delivered the first one, we were extremely proud to have created a real clean sheet, state-of-the-art aircraft, delivering unmatched performance and economics. It offers outstanding space, comfort and quietness to the passengers, and it contributes significantly to decarbonising aviation. The A350 is providing today a versatile platform to support our customers' strategy in front of a more and more complex environment" says Philippe Mhun, EVP Programmes and Services at Airbus.

Introducing the A350 new Production Standard

This 500th delivery also marks the introduction of the new Production Standard 2022 which brings additional performance and cabin improvements for both A350-900 and A350-1000. Compared to previous standards, it brings a weight reduction of up to 1.2 tonnes by optimising systems and structures and increasing the use of advanced materials which already represent more than 70% of the aircraft. The Maximum Takeoff Weight is also increased by 3 tonnes allowing each model to maintain its maximum range capability, beyond 8,000nm, while carrying an increased payload. The new standard comes with a wider interior cabin at armest level. This increase in cabin space allows airlines the flexibility to offer more than 30 additional seats in a typical 3-class configuration.

A new favourite to meet sustainability goals for operators

These improvements provide operators with increased profitability and flexibility, while offering passengers more space and comfort in the quietest cabin of its category. It also positions the A350 platform ready for future trends including decarbonisation solutions, a key driver for operators. Many airlines across the world including the latest A350 operators - ITA Airways, Frenchbee, Worldf2Fly, Turkish Airlines, Air Caraibes and SAS - have selected the A350 to reach their environmental targets, as part of a collective effort with many other customers to lead the aerospace industry’s decarbonisation journey.

To date, the A350 Family flies in the liveries of 39 airlines on over 900 routes worldwide.

IAG orders B737MAX

The International Airlines Group -IAG, the owner of Aer Lingus, British Airways, Iberia, LEVEL and Vueling has announced it has ordered the Boeing B737MAX. In total, the airline group ordered 25 B737-8200s and 25 B737-10s and took options on 100 additional aircraft. According to IAG's press-release, the MAXs will be delivered between 2023 and 2027 and could be used by any airline in the Group for fleet replacement.

This MAX-order concludes a new tender IAG has been running since September 2021. It isn't, however, the first time IAG ordered the MAX as it signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) with Boeing during the Paris Air Show in 2019 for 200 MAXs. This LoI was never firmed and resulted in a new narrowbody aircraft tender last year.

Photo by Boeing.

"Stopover Hola Madrid" special colours in this Airbus A330-202 of Iberia to promote to the passengers the posibility of visiting the city in flights on transit, with not price increase in the tickets.

 José Ramon Valero - Madrid

Toulouse-Blagnac Airport - 01/2021

IBERIA / Airbus A 350-900 F-WWIW msn 459

AIR CHINA / Airbus A 350-900 F-WZNL msn 465

Alain Charpentier

Iberia ends A340 operations, BA starts B747 part-outs

Iberia (IB, Madrid Barajas) has completed the phase-out of its only quadjet type, the A340-600. The Spanish airline said that flight IB6454 from Quito Int'l to Madrid Barajas, operated on August 1, 2020, by EC-JLE (msn 702), was its final scheduled A340 flight.
Out of its total fleet of thirteen A340-600s, Iberia owns 12 and leases the remaining one, EC-INO (msn 431) from Sumitomo Mitsui Finance & Leasing. The carrier is replacing the outgoing A340s with A350-900s, of which it already operates nine and has a further 11 on firm order from Airbus.
Meanwhile, fellow IAG International Airlines Group carrier British Airways (BA, London Heathrow) began retiring its thirty-one B747-400s on August 18, 2020, when G-CIVD (msn 27349) was ferried from London Heathrow to Castellón for part-out and scrap.
In mid-July, the carrier announced that all of its Boeing quadjets will not return to active service and would be retired thereafter. However, the actual retirements only commenced recently. While most of the type's scheduled flights ended in late March, British Airways has continued to operate the B747-400s on individual flights, mostly repatriation charters. According to Flightradar24 ADS-B data, the type's last commercial flight for British Airways was on June 3-4 when G-CIVP (msn 28850) flew a repatriation charter from London Heathrow to Cape Town and return.
BA owned all of its B747-400s. In terms of quadjet aircraft, the airline still has twelve A380-800s, although they remain parked for the time being.

IBERIA - A320NEO - F-WWBD

Alan Charpentie - TLS