On this day 75 years ago, an Iberia plane took off for Paris for the first time, marking a significant milestone in Spanish commercial aviation and establishing a crucial connection between Madrid and the French capital.

The A320neo Carries Forward the Legacy of the DC-4 Skymaster

On 1 July 1949, Flight IB162 departed from Madrid at 10:30 am on a Douglas DC-4 Skymaster, arriving in Paris at 2:15 pm before continuing to London-Heathrow Airport. Passengers enjoyed lunch and a snack, showcasing Iberia’s commitment to customer comfort and satisfaction from the very beginning of its operations.

The innovative features of the Douglas DC-4 Skymaster made it a symbol of technological and aeronautical advancements of its era. It was the first aircraft to have integral fuel tanks in the wings, a tricycle landing gear with retractable wheels housed in closed compartments, and a constant-section fuselage. Iberia operated this aircraft from 1946 to 1968.

Today, Iberia operates up to ten daily flights between the two capitals using the Airbus A320neo. This modern aircraft can carry up to 186 passengers, significantly more than the 66 passengers on the inaugural route to Paris. The A320neo is the most advanced model in Iberia’s short and medium-haul fleet, featuring Leap-1A CFM engines. It is 50% quieter, consumes 15% to 20% less fuel, and consequently reduces CO2 emissions while producing 50% less NOx compared to its predecessors.

The Same Commitment Over the Years

In 1949, the cost of a return flight to Paris was 2,340 pesetas. And if the passenger was carrying excess luggage, 14 pesetas per kilo were added to the initial sum. Currently, customers can purchase tickets to fly to Paris on iberia.com for just €92 for a round trip, and a flight plus two nights in a hotel from €179. But there’s more: on the occasion of the anniversary of the flights between Madrid and Paris, Iberia will offer bonus Avios. Iberia Plus customers will have double Avios on any reservation made between 1 and 31 July 2024 to travel between 1 July and 31 December 2024 to Paris.

In addition, Iberia Plus passengers will also be able to enter a draw for two three- day passes for a magical trip to Disneyland Paris. It will take place on 1 August 2024 and the winner will be notified shortly after. The only requirement is to be an Iberia Plus member.

The post Iberia Celebrates 75 Years of its Historic First Flight from Madrid to Paris appeared first on Travel And Tour World.