Icelandair is converting its memorandum of understanding signed last April for 13 Airbus A321XLRs into a firm order. The airline is also hiring four A321LRs.
Icelandair confirms its 13 Airbus A321XLR from last April
Icelandair has just transformed into a firm contract its memorandum of understanding signed last April and relating to 13 Airbus A321XLRs. Purchase rights for 12 additional copies are added. The first copy is expected for 2029 but Icelandair has managed to find four from a lessor and will therefore be able to operate the A321XLR before the summer of 2025. This indirectly confirms the latest certification schedule indicated by Airbus .
Airbus A321LRs in the meantime
In the meantime, the airline will take Airbus A321LRs on lease from SMBC Aviation Capital, at the lower range (7,400 km compared to 8,700 km for the A321XLR) but nevertheless adapted to the Icelandair network. Four A321LRs are thus expected and others could follow to link up with the A321XLRs. Both aircraft will replace the carrier’s Boeing 757s.
Icelandair chooses a capacity of around 190 seats
Icelandair has chosen a capacity of around 190 seats for its future A321LR and A321XLR. For comparison, its Boeing 757-200 can take 183 passengers while the capacities of its Boeing 738 MAX 8 and MAX 9 are 160 and 178 seats respectively. In addition to their range which allows Icelandair to consider doing better than New York and Boston, i.e. the ability to serve the West Coast of the United States but also more destinations in Europe, the A321LR and A321XLR complete the range capacity of the carrier and provide it with additional flexibility in the face of market developments.
