Iberia Names A320neo After Spanish Aviation Pioneer Bettina Kadner

Iberia pays tribute to Bettina Kadner, the first female commercial pilot and commander in Spain, by naming an Airbus A320neo in her honor.

Iberia Names an Airbus A320neo After Bettina Kadner, the First Female Commercial Pilot and Commander in Spain - Courtesy Iberia

On Sunday (September 28, 2025), Iberia announced that they have named an Airbus A320neo after Bettina Kadner, the first female commercial pilot and commander in Spain.  Bettina Kadner began her career at Spantax before joining Iberia in 1987, where she flew for almost two decades until her retirement in 2006.  With this gesture, the airline recognizes the career of a pioneering professional who broke barriers in a male field, inspiring generations of pilots.  The special naming event took place Sunday morning in La Muñoza, where the company has its aircraft and engine maintenance centre.

Speaking at the naming ceremony, Iberia’s President, Marco Sansavini, said,

“It is an honour that one of our aircraft bears the name of Bettina Kadner.  Thus, we will always remember that there was a woman who opened a path, opening doors to those who came later. We are also sending a message for the future, a message that makes it clear that at Iberia we believe in diversity, equal opportunities and working to inspire new generations.”

Iberia Names an Airbus A320neo After Bettina Kadner, the First Female Commercial Pilot and Commander in Spain - Courtesy Iberia

Born in Madrid in 1946, Bettina Kadner is a pioneering figure in Spanish and European aviation.  She was the first female commercial pilot in Spain and the first flight commander for Iberia and Spain, as well as the second in Europe.  Kadner started her career in aviation began in 1969 as a co-pilot at Spantax.  Just three years later, in 1972 and at the age of 25, she became the first flight commander in Spain.  In 1987 she joined Iberia, where she flew as a first officer and later as commander of Airbus A319, A320 and A321 aircraft until her retirement in 2006.  For over a decade she was the only woman in the Spanish civil aviation cockpits.

Spanish Aviation Pioneer Bettina Kadner - Courtesy Iberia

In addition to her pioneering work in the air, Bettina Kadner promoted pilot training in Spain, participating in the creation of the College of Civil Aviation Pilots (COPAC) and CESDA in Reus, the first university pilot training center in Spain.  She continues to be a reference, loved and respected by her peers, as well as a mentor among the Iberia's female pilots, whom she has always inspired.

Source: Iberia