Iberia Invests €6B in Fleet Expansion and Madrid Hub by 2030

Iberia’s Flight Plan 2030: A Strategic Leap in Global Aviation

Spain’s flag carrier, Iberia, has unveiled its ambitious “Flight Plan 2030,” a transformative strategic roadmap that aims to reshape the airline’s role in global aviation over the next decade. With a projected investment of €6 billion, the plan is designed to enhance operational efficiency, expand international connectivity, and reinforce Madrid-Barajas Airport as a leading European hub.

Launched by Iberia President and CEO Marco Sansavini, the initiative builds on the airline’s recent financial turnaround and technological modernization. The plan outlines goals such as increasing profitability to 13.5–15% annually, expanding the long-haul fleet from 45 to 70 aircraft, and creating 250,000 jobs through direct and indirect employment. These targets reflect not only Iberia’s growth ambitions but also its broader commitment to Spain’s economic and environmental sustainability.

Strategic Fleet Expansion and Operational Modernization

Long-Haul Growth with Next-Gen Aircraft

At the heart of the Flight Plan 2030 is a significant expansion of Iberia’s long-haul fleet. The airline plans to grow its wide-body aircraft count from 45 to 70, primarily through the integration of Airbus A350-900s, A321XLRs, and potentially A330neos. These aircraft offer improved fuel efficiency and range, enabling Iberia to serve a wider network of transatlantic destinations while reducing its carbon footprint.

The Airbus A350-900, for instance, consumes up to 25% less fuel than older models and has become a staple in Iberia’s long-haul operations. Meanwhile, the A321XLR, with a range of 4,700 nautical miles, is ideal for thinner transatlantic routes, allowing Iberia to connect smaller North American cities to Madrid without compromising on efficiency.

This expansion aligns with Iberia’s broader goal of enhancing Spain’s global connectivity. By increasing its long-haul capacity by over 55%, the airline aims to position Madrid-Barajas as a central hub between Europe and the Americas, competing with established hubs like Frankfurt and Amsterdam.

“We want to grow from the current 45 long-haul aircraft to 70 to position Barajas as a major European hub and enhance Spain’s global connectivity.” , Marco Sansavini, President and CEO of Iberia

Short-Haul Fleet Renewal and Environmental Goals

In parallel with long-haul growth, Iberia is undertaking a full renewal of its short- and medium-haul fleet. The airline plans to replace older aircraft with Airbus A320neo and A321neo models, known for their lower emissions and noise footprint. These aircraft consume approximately 15% less fuel and emit significantly fewer greenhouse gases compared to previous generations.

This modernization is crucial for Iberia’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. By 2025, the airline expects to reduce its carbon intensity to 80 grams of CO₂ per passenger-kilometer, down from 87.3 grams in 2020. Iberia is also exploring sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) partnerships to meet the EU’s 2030 target of 10% SAF usage.

Beyond environmental benefits, the fleet renewal enhances operational efficiency and passenger comfort. The new aircraft feature larger overhead bins, quieter cabins, and improved aerodynamics, contributing to a better overall travel experience.

Expanding the Route Network

The expanded fleet will support Iberia’s growing international network. New destinations include Toronto (Canada), Philadelphia (USA), and Monterrey (Mexico), alongside recently announced routes to Recife and Fortaleza (Brazil), and Orlando (USA). These additions strengthen Iberia’s transatlantic footprint and tap into high-demand markets across North and South America.

Madrid’s geographic location offers a strategic advantage for connecting Europe and Latin America. With increased frequencies and new routes, Iberia aims to leverage this position to attract both leisure and business travelers. The airline is also exploring further opportunities in under-served markets, particularly in the Americas.

In 2024, Madrid-Barajas Airport handled approximately 66 million passengers, a 9.9% increase from the previous year. Iberia’s expansion could push this figure beyond 80 million by 2030, solidifying Madrid’s status as a top-tier European aviation hub.

Customer Experience and Digital Transformation

Cabin Upgrades and Premium Services

As part of the Flight Plan 2030, Iberia is investing heavily in customer experience. All long-haul cabins will be completely renovated to include lie-flat business class seats, enhanced in-flight entertainment systems, and improved connectivity. The A321XLRs will feature Airbus’ Airspace cabin design, offering ambient lighting and increased comfort.

On the ground, Iberia is developing a new Premium Lounge at Terminal 4 of Madrid-Barajas Airport. Spanning 1,500 square meters, the lounge will offer à-la-carte dining, private workspaces, and relaxation zones, catering to the growing segment of premium travelers.

For short-haul passengers, new aircraft will include XL luggage compartments, increasing carry-on capacity and reducing boarding times. These enhancements reflect Iberia’s intent to deliver a seamless travel experience across all classes of service.

Digitalisation and Artificial Intelligence

Iberia is embracing digital transformation to streamline operations and personalize the customer journey.

The airline has introduced Iberia GPT, a ChatGPT-based assistant designed to help passengers with booking, itinerary planning, and customer service inquiries.

In maintenance, AI-driven predictive systems are being deployed to anticipate technical issues before they occur, reducing delays and lowering operational costs by up to 20%. These technologies are part of a broader move toward automation and efficiency across the airline’s value chain.

Digital tools are also being used to enhance loyalty programs and onboard services. By leveraging customer data, Iberia aims to offer tailored experiences that increase satisfaction and retention.

Ciudad Iberia and Innovation Hub

A cornerstone of Iberia’s future vision is the development of “Ciudad Iberia” in La Muñoza. This aeronautical innovation center will serve as the airline’s new corporate headquarters and a hub for research, training, and technology development.

The facility will centralize operations and foster collaboration between engineers, data scientists, and aviation experts. It is expected to play a key role in driving innovation in areas such as sustainable aviation, AI, and smart logistics.

Ciudad Iberia will also offer training programs to upskill employees and support the airline’s goal of hiring 1,000 new staff annually. By 2033, Iberia projects that its operations will support 250,000 direct, indirect, and induced jobs, contributing €19 billion to Spain’s GDP, an increase of 42% from current levels.

Conclusion: Iberia’s Path Toward Global Leadership

Iberia’s Flight Plan 2030 represents a comprehensive and forward-thinking strategy aimed at securing its position as a global aviation leader. Through fleet modernization, network expansion, digital transformation, and a strong sustainability agenda, the airline is preparing for the demands of a rapidly evolving industry.

While challenges such as fuel volatility, regulatory pressures, and global competition remain, Iberia’s proactive approach offers a roadmap for resilience and growth. As it approaches its centenary in 2027, Iberia is not only celebrating its legacy but also laying the foundation for a more connected, efficient, and sustainable future.

FAQ

What is Iberia’s Flight Plan 2030?
It is Iberia’s strategic roadmap for growth and transformation through 2030, involving €6 billion in investments across fleet expansion, digital innovation, and sustainability initiatives.

How many new aircraft will Iberia add?
Iberia plans to grow its long-haul fleet from 45 to 70 aircraft, and renew its short- and medium-haul fleet with Airbus A320neo and A321neo models.

What new destinations will Iberia serve?
New routes include Toronto, Philadelphia, Monterrey, Recife, Fortaleza, and Orlando, with increased frequencies on existing transatlantic routes.

What is Ciudad Iberia?
Ciudad Iberia is a planned innovation and corporate center in La Muñoza that will house Iberia’s headquarters and foster aerospace research and development.

How will Iberia contribute to Spain’s economy?
By 2033, Iberia expects to support 250,000 jobs and contribute €19 billion annually to Spain’s GDP, a 42% increase over current figures.

Sources

Iberia, IAG, PwC, Airbus, AENA