The carrier on Tuesday (11 April) confirmed it had signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Airbus for an initial 13 Airbus A321XLR aircraft, with options for an additional 12. The fee has not been disclosed.
Deliveries will start in 2029. However, Icelandair will begin operating Airbus aircraft from 2025 with it currently in negotiations over four leased A321LR.
Despite a decades’ old relationship with Boeing, Icelandair has decided to strike a deal with Airbus citing cost and environmental reasons, as well as market opportunities.
According to the airline, the A321XLR’s extended range of up to 4,700 nautical miles will allow it to expand its long-haul operation. Icelandair added that compared with a Boeing equivalent, its new-look fleet would also be more fuel efficient – cutting emissions and costs.
“The 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,” said Icelandair chief executive Bogi Nils Bogason.
Icelandair isn’t cutting its ties with Boeing completely, confirming on Tuesday it will continue to operate a fully Boeing fleet until 2025, before moving to a mixed fleet once the first Airbus deliveries begin.
