Icelandair has announced that it has finalised its order with Airbus for up to 25 Airbus A321XLR aircraft, thus becoming a new Airbus customer. The airline will use these aircraft to phase out the older Boeing B767 and B757 fleet.
In April 2023, Icelandair announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Airbus for A321XLR (Extra Long Range) aircraft. This agreement has now been finalised. The airline has placed a firm order for 13 A321XLRs, with purchase rights for 12 more of these. The purchase price has not been revealed and the carrier says that the financing of the aircraft is yet to be determined but it “will explore financing options closer to the delivery dates”.
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.
said Bogi Nils Bogason, President & CEO, Icelandair.
Stay up to date: Sign up for my newsletter to never miss latest Aviation and Travel news.
The airline has announced that it will lease four A321LR (Long Range) aircraft from SMBC Aviation Capital Limited, scheduled to be delivered from Airbus in the fourth quarter of 2024.
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.
said Christian Scherer, Chief Commercial Officer of Airbus and Head of Airbus International.
The A321XLR, scheduled to enter service by the end of 2024 or the first quarter of 2025, will have the longest range of any narrow body aircraft. It will have a range of up to 4,700 nautical miles, 15% more range than the A321LR and with 30% lower fuel burn per seat compared with previous generation competitor aircraft, as well as reduced NOx emissions and noise.
Featured image by Airbus
What do you think of Icelandair ordering Airbus aircraft for the first time? Let me know in the comments section below.
Follow IH Aviation and Travel on Social Media on Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.