Icelandair has sealed the deal with Airbus, with the airline placing a firm order for the Airbus A321XLR
The order makes Icelandair a new Airbus customer, who has been traditionally an all-Boeing airline. It will comprise of 13 AirbusA321XLRs .
The airline is also planning to lease four A321LRs from SMBC Aviation Capital Limited.
The A321XLR will allow Icelandair to seize new market opportunities thanks to the extended long range of up to 4,700nm – which is 15% more than the A321LR.
The aircraft will also enable the airline to reduce its operating costs, support its sustainability targets and at the same time offer its passengers the best in cabin comfort.
In Quotes
Bogi Nils Bogason, Icelandair’s CEO
”We are very pleased to announce that we have now finalized the purchase agreement with Airbus. The efficient A321XLR aircraft will further strengthen our business model, increase our flexibility and provide opportunities for future growth, as well as further support our sustainability efforts. The first aircraft is scheduled for delivery in 2029 but we plan to have four Airbus aircraft in operation before summer of 2025 and have now secured the lease of new A321LR aircraft with our long-term partner SMBC Aviation Capital Limited” .
Christian Scherer, Airbus Chief Commercial Officer and Head of Airbus International adds
“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Icelandair for placing their trust and confidence in Airbus. It fills us with immense pride to welcome Icelandair as a new Airbus customer. By harnessing the exceptional performance of the A321XLR, your airline is forging a path of sustainable growth with remarkable efficiency and a significant reduction in CO2 emissions,”
A shift away from Boeing
Icelandair has been primarily a Boeing customer, operating the Boeing 737 MAX 8, and Boeing 737 MAX 9, as well as the venerable Boeing 757-200, Boeing 757-300 and Boeing 767-300ER.
17 aircraft in total are inbound for the airline, which will allow them to withdraw the Boeing 757 fleet in its totality.
We’ll have to see if Icelandair is happy running a mixed fleet from that point – or if they wish to standardise to one product line to reduce costs.
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