Icelandair have chosen the Airbus A321XLR to replace their fleet of aging Boeing 757s. These will be the first Airbus aircraft operated by the formerly staunchly loyal Douglas and Boeing customer.
While the Reykjavik based airline does operate the Boeing 737 MAX 8 and 737 MAX 9, they still have a requirement for something in the 757 class. The product from Airbus is the only aircraft that comes close to fulfilling that need.
Icelandair A321 Order
The airline is currently in advanced talks to lease four Airbus A321LR aircraft, which are due to join the fleet from 2025. Further jets may join the fleet after that.
Of course, the main event in the A321 order is that for 13 of the A321XLR model. Deliveries are scheduled to begin from 2029, and the airline also retains purchase rights for another 12.
Naturally these will help the airline continue what it does best, connecting Europe and the USA via Iceland. They usually have some very good fares, plus you can stop in their home country along the way. What’s not to like?
Overall Thoughts
Icelandair have placed an order with Airbus, which will update their fleet nicely for the upcoming new decade. It marks the first time the airline has ordered with the European manufacturer.
What do you think of the Icelandair A321 order? Have you flown with them before? If so, what are they like? Thank you for reading and if you have any comments or questions, please leave them below.
Like planes? See my “Does anyone remember” series.
Flight reviews your thing? Mine are all indexed here.
Follow me on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Featured image via AirportSpotting on Twitter.
Icelandair Boeing 737 MAX 8 cabin via World Travel Guide on Twitter.
I find it interesting that Icelandair is flying 767s which they got their hands on over the last couple of years.
Yes, I noticed that, must be useful for them, otherwise they wouldn’t be using them. I imagine the 767/757 cockpits being almost identical helps too.