Icelandair has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to order up to 25 Airbus A321XLR aircraft as a replacement for its ageing Boeing 757 fleet.
The order comprises an understanding to order 13 aircraft and take options on a further 12, with deliveries starting in 2029.
The airline does already have the A321LR on order, however, with deliveries starting in 2025.
The A321XLR aircraft has a range of up to 4,700 nautical miles (8,700 km), allowing Icelandair to operate it on its long-range destinations with opportunities to enter new markets. The A321LR aircraft has a range of up to 4,000 nautical miles (7,400 km) and will thus be able to service Icelandair’s current route network.
The aircraft has around 190 seats in Icelandair’s layout. In comparison, the Boeing 757-200 aircraft has 183.
Icelandair 80th anniversary scheme. Photo (c) Matt Varley
Bogi Nils Bogason, President & CEO of Icelandair:
“We are happy to announce that we have now reached a conclusion regarding Icelandair’s future fleet. We have decided that the capable and fuel-efficient Airbus aircraft, A321XLR and A321LR, will become the successors of the Boeing 757 we are gradually retiring. The Boeing 757 has been the cornerstone of Icelandair’s operations since 1990. Its unique capabilities have underpinned the successful development of our extensive route network and competitive transatlantic hub by leveraging Iceland’s unique geographical location to connect North America and Europe via Iceland. The excellent Airbus aircraft will not only allow us to further develop our proven business model around transatlantic flights but also open opportunities for future growth by entering new and exciting markets.”
Find out more about Icelandair and book flights here: https://www.icelandair.com/
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