Spanish carrier Iberia has ordered 20 new Airbus A320neo aircraft to modernize its short- and medium-haul fleet. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in the first half of 2018 and continue through 2021.
The purchase is valued at $1.84 billion, although Iberia’s parent company, IAG, reportedly negotiated a substantial discount. This order complements the airline’s long-haul renewal program that began in 2013: a total of 39 new long-haul aircraft will join the fleet through 2021, including 16 Airbus A350-900s, the first of which is due next year.
The A320neo family brings notable improvements in fuel efficiency, lower emissions and reduced noise levels, while the larger A350-900s offer enhanced passenger comfort together with high operational efficiency.
Luis Gallego, chairman and chief executive officer of Iberia, announced the A320neo order during an event marking the carrier’s 90th anniversary. He also unveiled a revamped Madrid (MAD)–Barcelona (BCN) shuttle service, known locally as Puente Aéreo or Air Bridge, to be operated jointly by Iberia and Vueling. The refreshed shuttle will begin on July 19 and includes a range of customer benefits. Flight frequencies will increase from 16 to 26 per weekday and will be 13 per day on weekends.
The new service keeps flexibility at its core: in addition to open tickets valid on the route, customers will be able to book specific flights and enjoy more flexible change and cancellation options. Tickets can be reserved or purchased and boarding passes issued online or via the Iberia app, enabling passengers to go straight to the boarding gate. Shuttle travelers will continue to use dedicated facilities at both Madrid and Barcelona airports.
By combining modern, fuel-efficient short-haul aircraft with a renewed long-haul fleet, Iberia aims to improve operational performance, reduce environmental impact and enhance the passenger experience across its network. The increased frequencies and streamlined processes on the Madrid–Barcelona shuttle reflect the airline’s focus on convenience and reliability for one of its busiest domestic routes.