Airlines Icelandair orders 13 Airbus A321XLR
Icelandair has announced to renew its aircraft fleet by ordering 13 new Airbus A321XLR.
Keflavik-based carrier Icelandair has signed a purchase agreement with manufacturer Airbus for a total of 13 new Airbus A321XLR aircraft. These aircraft will especially help to modernize the aging fleet of Boeing 757s and 767s and will also enable the operator to fly to new routes in the most sustainable way possible.
The A321XLR is the longer-range version of the popular A321 and will allow Icelandair to seize new market opportunities. The XLR is capable of serving destinations in a range of up to 4,700nm while also having a 30% lower fuel burn per seat when compared to previous-generation aircraft. Icelandair also plans to lease four A321LR.
With the order, Icelandair becomes a new Airbus-operator. Currently, the mainline carrier is flying with 737 MAX, 757s and 767s. Subsidiary Air Iceland Connect operates with De Havilland Canada DHC-8-200 and DHC-8-400 turboprops on regional routes.
Regarding the new order, Bogi Nils Bogason, Icelandair’s CEO, commented: ”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.”
"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," added Christian Scherer, Airbus Chief Commercial Officer and Head of Airbus International.
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Source © airbus.com