Iberia to retrofit fleet with new business
Iberia's Chief Customer Officer Beatriz Guillen confirmed the airline will introduce a new, unique business class seat across its long-haul fleet starting
Iberia will introduce a completely new business class seat across its long-haul fleet starting next year. The airline's Chief Customer Officer, Beatriz Guillen, revealed the plans in an interview with Head for Points, stating the retrofit is part of a €6 billion investment under its 'Flight Plan 2030' strategy.
Guillen said the new cabin product is a "brand new seat, not flown by anyone else." The airline aims to have the seat flying by the middle or second half of 2027, though Guillen noted the timeline is "very uncertain." She confirmed the retrofit will take around five years to complete across the airline's A330 and A350 fleets, and likely its new A330neo aircraft on order.
A new premium experience
The design of the new Sorolla Emerald lounge in Madrid's Terminal 4 hints at the aesthetics of the upcoming cabin retrofit. Guillen said the lounge previews "the feelings, the colors, the textures, the materials" passengers can expect. Alongside the new physical seat, Iberia plans to introduce a revamped onboard service as part of its 2027 centenary celebrations, aiming to raise the premium experience across all cabins.
Unlike some competitors, Iberia does not plan to increase the number of business class seats per aircraft. Guillen explained the strategy is to maintain standard cabin sizes, adding more premium capacity by growing the overall fleet from 45 to 70 long-haul aircraft by 2030. She stated the airline targets "a solid four-star consistency" tailored to its specific market, which she described as different from Asian carriers or British Airways.
Fleet and lounge updates
Iberia currently operates three different business class cabins across its fleet. The airline took delivery of eight Airbus A321XLR aircraft starting in December 2024. Guillen reported the aircraft is performing well, with a customer net promoter score close to that of the airline's new A350s. The entire A321XLR fleet will have full Starlink internet deployment within the next week.
| Aircraft Type | Business Class Seat Type | Introduction Era |
|---|---|---|
| A330 / early A350 | Original staggered seat | 2013 |
| Later A350 deliveries | Recaro business class seat | 2022 |
| A321XLR | Lie-flat narrowbody seat | Late 2024 |
Terminal changes for UK flights
Iberia plans to move its flights to the United Kingdom and Ireland from the T4S satellite terminal back to the main Terminal 4 at Madrid Barajas Airport. Guillen said the shift is "happening sooner rather than later" and depends on coordination with airport operator Aena, which is expanding the main terminal. She could not provide an exact date for the move.
The change will mean a quicker airport experience for passengers by eliminating the airtrain journey between terminals. However, business class and oneworld Sapphire members will lose access to the Velazquez lounge in T4S, using the Schengen Dali lounge instead. Oneworld Emerald members, including British Airways Gold and Iberia Platino travelers, will gain access to the new Sorolla Emerald Lounge when flying from the main terminal.
