Spanish carrier Iberia, the launch customer for the Airbus A321XLR, has opened reservations for the first two routes that will be served using the aircraft type.
The airline has tentatively scheduled the inaugural commercial flight for Nov. 14, connecting Madrid Adolfo Suarez-Barajas Airport (MAD) and Boston Logan International Airport. A second A321XLR route from MAD to Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) is due to start in mid-January.
Iberia was confirmed as the launch operator of the aircraft in May by parent company International Airlines Group (IAG). It was initially expected that the first A321XLRs would go to sister carrier Aer Lingus, but IAG decided to switch to Iberia after a pilot pay dispute at Aer Lingus was not resolved in time.
Iberia’s booking system shows that three of the four weekly flights between Madrid and Boston will use the A321XLR, replacing A330 equipment. From Dec. 15, frequencies will increase to daily—each of which will be operated by an A321XLR…
