Icelandair has formally switched to Airbus with an order for 13 Airbus A321XLR aircraft as part of its fleet renewal plans.
While an order consists of the XLR, Icelandair further says they’ll acquire four A321LR units looking ahead to boost their offering. The A321s extensive variants mean Icelandair can reach most destinations in its network with the range while opening up new possibilities too.
The A321XLR is a pivotal order in the Icelandair future as it sees them switch allegiances to Airbus for this aircraft type, which is intended to replace their Boeing 757s.
Icelandair falls into a group of carriers that have struggled to replace their 757s adequately, and with Boeing not progressing on a replacement in more cases than none Airbus’ A321 series becomes the favourite.
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.
Bogi Nils Bogason, Icelandair’s CEO.
The firming of the deal comes as no shock as in April, the pair signed a Memorandum of Understanding or MoU, always intending to sign an agreement formally.
Despite a new commitment, the aircraft will only begin being delivered in 2029.
