Iberia. Photo: Shutterstock Iberia has unveiled its plans for its 100th anniversary in 2027, including events in Spain and Latin America, a special aircraft livery and new initiatives focused on its customers, employees and future growth.
With 100 days remaining before the start of the celebrations, Iberia President Marco Sansavini presented the centenary program and revealed the special livery that some of the airline's aircraft will wear next year.
The main institutional celebration will take place in June 2027, the month Iberia was founded, at the airline's La Muñoza operations center near Madrid. The event will bring together elements of Iberia's history and its plans for the future.
Latin America will have a prominent role in the celebrations. Iberia plans to hold an event at Casa de América focused on the relationship between Spain and Latin America, while its Generation of '27 project will highlight young people shaping Spain's future.
The airline will also mark its connections with Spanish businesses through an event with the Spanish Confederation of Employers' Organizations at the Madrid Stock Exchange. Another part of the program will involve the training ship Juan Sebastián de Elcano, which, like Iberia, celebrates its centenary in 2027.
Iberia is also planning a larger presence at FITUR 2027, where its stand will host meetings with countries, travel agencies and tour operators and serve as a venue for new centenary announcements.
In Madrid, Iberia will work with the city council to install the tail rudder of one of its aircraft in a prominent location as a tribute to the airline's employees who have been closely connected with the Barajas district over the past century.
The airline is also preparing a book and documentary using its historical audiovisual archive and interviews with people connected to Iberia.
Iberia Spaces will open in Buenos Aires, Bogotá, Mexico City and São Paulo, while the main Iberia Space in Madrid will move to 44 Alcalá Street and remain open for much of 2027.
The centenary program will also include commercial promotions, activities with travel agencies and tour operators, a special IB100 flight and a large air show at Cuatro Vientos airfield.
Iberia is using the anniversary to highlight changes that will affect passengers as well. During 2027, the airline plans to begin renovating the cabins of its long-haul aircraft, with details of the new interiors due to be announced in the coming months.
The rollout of free high-speed Starlink Wi-Fi across the fleet will also continue. Iberia is working with the Royal Academy of Gastronomy on changes to the food offered onboard and in its premium lounges, with a focus on Spanish products.
Employees and former employees will also feature prominently in the centenary. Iberia expects around 60,000 current and former employees to take part in events and visit Iberia Spaces in Spain and Latin America.
Behind the celebrations, Iberia is continuing with its Flight Plan 2030 strategy, which is backed by a planned €6 billion investment. The airline said its long-haul fleet has grown from 43 aircraft at the beginning of 2025 to 51 today, with a target of around 70.
The arrival of Airbus A321XLR aircraft has also allowed Iberia to add destinations including Orlando, Recife, Fortaleza, Toronto and Monterrey.
The airline has additionally expanded its maintenance capabilities through its LEAP Premier MRO license and the creation of IAG Engine Tech.
For Iberia, the centenary is therefore being presented not only as a look back at 100 years of operations, but also as a platform for the next stage of its fleet, network and passenger experience.