Earlier this week saw Icelandair firm ahead with its plans to incorporate the Airbus A321XLR into its fleet, with deliveries beginning in 2029.
As we know, back in April, the carrier signed a Memorandum of Understanding for up to 25 units of the type.
This order has now been firmed up, with 13 on order as firm, with purchasing options for 12 more.
Icelandair CEO: Pleased To Firm Up The Order for Airbus A321XLRs…
Commenting on the firming up of its order for Airbus A321XLRs was Bogi Nils Bogason, the President & CEO of Icelandair:
“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 the summer of 2025 and have now secured the lease of new A321LR aircraft with our long-term partner SMBC Aviation Capital Limited.”
Also adding to this was Christian Scherer, the Airbus Sales Chief:
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“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.”
A321LRs on The Way…
On top of this purchase for the Icelandair A321XLRs, the carrier also announced that it has concluded a deal with SMBC Aviation Capital for a lease of A321LR aircraft as well.
It is understood that four units of this type will be placed on lease, with deliveries scheduled to begin in the fourth quarter of next year.
This will provide the carrier with enough of a stopgap whilst they wait five years for deliveries of the A321XLR.
Over time, this will mean that by the time its Boeing 757 and 767 aircraft are retired, Icelandair will have a mixed fleet of Airbus A321LR/XLR as well as 737 MAXs on the Boeing side.
Looking ahead, this rejuvenation of Icelandair looks set to be an exciting one, and it will be interesting to see what new routes they could create from this.
