Iberia and British Airways merged in January 2011 and formed International Airlines Group (IAG), an Anglo-Spanish airline holding company, one of the largest in the world by revenues.

IAG chief executive Willie Walsh said: “The A330 is an excellent aircraft, both in terms of comfort and operational performance, and it will be a welcome addition to Iberia’s fleet. It also provides us with considerable cost benefits due to its lower fuel consumption and commonality with Iberia’s existing long haul aircraft”.

"“We are very proud that IAG has selected the A330 Family in its very first purchase” said John Leahy, Airbus COO, Customers. “Iberia’s selection proves again that the A330 Family is the preferred choice among operators for an eco-efficient, mid-size, long-haul aircraft thanks to its low operating costs and outstanding comfort for passengers”.

The A330-300 has a range of up to 5,600 nm / 10,400 km with a typical 300 passenger load. Highly efficient and optimised for the medium–to long range market, the A330-300 offers the best balance between range and cost. The A330-300 remains the most economic means of flying around 300 passengers on medium range routes in true long haul comfort.

The A330 Family, which spans 200 to 400 seats for the passenger variants, also includes Freighter, VIP, and Military Transport/Tanker variants, has now attracted more than 1,100 orders.