Iberia Commemorates Centenary of “Great Flights” of Spanish Aviation with Special Livery on an Airbus A350
Iberia is joining the celebrations for the Centenary of the Great Flights of Spanish Aviation by unveiling a commemorative livery on one of its most advanced aircraft, highlighting the historic link between the airline and the feats that positioned Spain at the forefront of global aeronautics.
A Tribute on the Airbus A350 Fuselage
The Spanish flag carrier has presented an Airbus A350-900, registration EC-EOS, sporting the official logo of the Centenary of the Great Flights of Spanish Aviation. This design, developed by the Spanish Air and Space Force, aims to pay tribute to a decade (1926–1935) defined by milestones that connected Spain with Ibero-America, the Philippines, and Africa.
The unveiling ceremony featured prominent figures from the aviation and defense sectors:
- Marco Sansavini, President of Iberia.
- Lieutenant General Julio Nieto Sampayo, Commander of the Air Combat Command.
This recognition is particularly significant for the company, as it comes just one year before the airline celebrates its own centenary in 2027.
From Plus Ultra to Modern Aviation: A Century of Evolution
The starting point for this commemoration is the historic flight of the Plus Ultra in 1926. That mission represented the first time an aircraft successfully crossed the South Atlantic, a milestone that laid the foundations for today’s transatlantic connectivity.
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Comparative: 1926 vs. 2026
The industry’s evolution is reflected in the efficiency and capacity of modern operations compared to those of a century ago:
- The 1926 Feat: The Plus Ultra, a modified twin-engine Dornier Wal flying boat, took off from Palos de la Frontera bound for Buenos Aires.
- The Journey: The 10,270-kilometer route was completed in seven stages, requiring a total flight time of 59 hours and 40 minutes, flying at an average speed of 172 km/h.
- Current Operations: Today, Iberia’s commemorative A350 covers the same route between Madrid and Buenos Aires non-stop in approximately 12 hours and 30 minutes, demonstrating unprecedented technological progress in speed, range, and safety.
Decade of Great Flights (2026–2035)
The initiative is not limited to a single event but spans a ten-year commemorative period. This decade-long tribute aims to honor the audacity and innovative spirit of the pioneers who achieved these aerial milestones between 1926 and 1935.
With this special decal, Iberia not only celebrates the past but reaffirms its commitment to the legacy of Spanish aviation, bridging the heritage of the first air explorers with the state-of-the-art technology represented by the Airbus A350 on its long-haul routes.
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