On December 22nd, Iberia announced that it has taken delivery of its latest Airbus A350, one that focuses on delivering the highest level of passenger satisfaction. Every cabin onboard has been redesigned on this A350, with business class seeing some new hardware. Airbus also created these new cabins using lighter materials, reducing the overall weight and allowing the aircraft to be more efficient.

Improved efficiency

Since Airbus first introduced the A350 design, the aircraft has seen numerous modifications and improvements. This latest change is a notable weight reduction. Using lighter materials throughout the cabin, Airbus has reduced the overall aircraft weight by one ton. This substantial reduction will allow the plane to operate at maximum efficiency, allowing for more cargo and range in the future.

Iberia has shared its optimism about the new aircraft and its enhanced performance, as it will help reduce operating costs and boost profit margins. The lightweight material that comprises the aircraft's interior is also more sustainable, allowing it to fall in line with the airlines' sustainability goals.

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Enhanced experience

The new A350 cabin is designed to be more comfortable by providing additional privacy and new lighting options. The cabin now offers six different lighting options, optimized for each portion of the trip. Each cabin class also features enhanced in-flight entertainment, with 4K monitors on all seatbacks. They are a part of a connectivity system known as IFT Next which was developed in association with Panasonic and includes Bluetooth to connect devices to the IFE.

The entertainment system utilizes modern, intuitive, and interactive technologies built to offer the highest level of customer satisfaction. Another unique feature is that it uses night lighting to avoid disturbing other passengers, a nice perk.

A spokesperson for Iberia stated,

"Welcome to our new A350 in Iberia, we call this aircraft A350 Next, because of its new entertainment system...this aircraft is the new standard of Airbus. So the new the latest version of A350s that is more efficient and has operational benefits and also customer comfort benefits."

Varying classes

All cabin classes have been upgraded with this new interior, with business class receiving the largest upgrades. Business class passengers will have more privacy with a door for each seat and dividers between other passengers. The overhead bins have been removed from the middle section as well, giving the cabin an airier feel but sacrificing storage.

Each business class seat offers direct access to the aisle and folds into a bed. It also features additional storage space for personal belongings.

Passengers traveling in the premium economy class will also experience enhanced privacy thanks to winged extensions at the back of the seat. These passengers will also have a remote to control the in-flight entertainment more easily.

Economy class seats will be one centimeter wider and have folding headrests, allowing more room to relax. These seats will also come with a phone charging port.

What do you think of this enhanced cabin? Let us know in the comments below.

• 

  Iberia

  IATA/ICAO Code:

  IB/IBE

  Airline Type:

  Full Service Carrier

  Hub(s):

  Madrid Barajas Airport

  Year Founded:

  1927

  Alliance:

  oneworld

  Airline Group:

  IAG

  CEO:

  Javier Sánchez-Prieto

  Country:

  Spain

• 

  Airbus

  Stock Code:

  AIR

  Date Founded:

  1970-12-18

  CEO:

  Guillaume Faury

  Headquarters Location:

  Toulouse, France

  Key Product Lines:

  Airbus A220, Airbus A320, Airbus A330, Airbus A340, Airbus A350, Airbus A380

  Business Type:

  Planemaker