Monday, July 1, 2024 75 years ago today, an Iberia plane made its inaugural flight to Paris, marking a significant milestone in Spanish commercial aviation and establishing a crucial link between Madrid and the French capital. Continuing the Tradition: A320neo Carries Forward the Legacy of the DC-4 Skymaster On July 1, 1949, Flight IB162 departed Madrid at 10:30 AM aboard a Douglas DC-4 Skymaster. It arrived in Paris at 2:15 PM and continued its journey to London-Heathrow Airport.
Passengers enjoyed lunch and a snack, reflecting Iberia’s commitment to passenger comfort and satisfaction since its earliest days of operation. The Douglas DC-4 Skymaster epitomized the technological and aeronautical advancements of its era, featuring integral fuel tanks in the wings, a tricycle landing gear with retractable wheels housed in enclosed compartments, and a fuselage of constant section. Operated by the airline from 1946 to 1968, it represented a pioneering era in aviation.
Today, Iberia operates up to ten daily flights between Madrid and Paris using the Airbus A320neo. This modern aircraft can accommodate up to 186 passengers, a significant increase from the 66 passengers on the inaugural route. The A320neo stands out as the most advanced in Iberia’s short and medium-haul fleet, boasting Leap-1A CFM engines that make it 50% quieter than its predecessors.
It also consumes 15% to 20% less fuel, leading to reduced CO2 emissions and a 50% decrease in NOx production, underscoring its ef.
