On November 9 Iberia Airlines took delivery of a new Airbus A-321, registered as EC-IJN and christened `MÌ©rida`, in honour of the western Spanish city. The 187-seat aircraft will be used on major domestic and European routes.

The delivery of the `Mérida` brings to five the number of Airbus A-321s flown by Iberia. This boasts higher technology, better passenger service, and more silent operations than others in its class.

The purchase of the new Airbus is part of Iberia`s fleet renewal programme, which was launched in 1998, and calls for the incorporation of all new aircraft with the best features, including lower fuel, maintenance, and operating costs.

The city of Mérida, in Spain`s western region of Extremadura, was founded by the Romans As Emerita Augusta in 25 BC. It is regarded as a cultural treasure because of the many remains of Roman architecture there.

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