Icelandair (FI, Reykjavik Keflavik) has firmed an April 2023 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Airbus for thirteen A321-200NY(XLR)s while at the same time, agreeing to lease four A321-200NX(LR)s to accelerate the long-range narrowbody's type induction.
"We are very pleased to announce that we have now finalized the purchase agreement with Airbus. The efficient A321neo(XLR) 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 A321-200NX(LR) aircraft with our long-term partner SMBC Aviation Capital," Chief Executive Bogi Nils Bogason said.
The leased aircraft will start delivering in the fourth quarter of 2024.
The airline will use the A321neo to replace its ageing fleet of sixteen B757-200s and two B757-300s. Bogason recently told ch-aviation that Icelandair had pencilled in 2026 as the last year for the passenger B757s.
The A321neo will be the first Airbus aircraft ever operated by Icelandair and will fly alongside its fleet of fourteen B737-8s (with two more due from BOC Aviation) and four B737-9s. The carrier also operates one B757-200(PCF), one B757-200PF, two B767-300ER(BCF)s, and three B767-300ERs, the ch-aviation fleets module shows.
