Iberia launches transatlantic flights to Latin America using Airbus A321XLR

According to fleet data from ch-aviation, Iberia operates four Airbus A321XLRs with an average age of just over half a year and expects delivery of four more units in the future.

The airline’s A321XLRs are configured for 182 passengers across two classes: 14 seats in business class and 168 in economy. Iberia was also the world’s first operator of this aircraft type when it began commercial flights between Madrid and Paris in November 2024. Its first long-haul use of the model was on services from Madrid to Boston Logan International Airport.

For now, Iberia plans to fly between Madrid and Santo Domingo twice weekly—on Thursdays and Sundays—with its A321XLRs alongside daily operations using larger A330-300 jets that seat up to 292 passengers. The introduction of these smaller jets may be due to reduced demand during October or maintenance needs for the widebody fleet. Despite a lower cruising speed compared to widebodies, total block time for these flights has increased by only five minutes.

In an investor relations document published in June 2025, Iberia noted that its real-world maximum range for these aircraft is about 3,920 nautical miles (7,960 km), which is less than Airbus’ advertised figure of 4,700 nautical miles (8,704 km). Aircraft manufacturers often state ranges based on ideal conditions not typically encountered during normal operations.

Beyond Santo Domingo and San Juan routes—which at 3,448 nautical miles is now Iberia's second-longest with this jet—the carrier will soon deploy its A321XLRs on additional routes to Brazil. Starting December 13, flights will begin between Madrid and Recife/Guararapes–Gilberto Freyre International Airport; three or four weekly frequencies are planned after an absence since operating there with an Airbus A340 quadjet in 2011. Similarly, beginning January 19 next year, three or four weekly flights will connect Madrid with Fortaleza–Pinto Martins International Airport—a destination last served by Iberia in 2011 using a four-engine widebody as well.