Icelandair Signs Firm Order for 16 Boeing 737 MAXs

Icelandair has signed a firm order for 16 Boeing 737 MAX jets, in a deal which Boeing values at more than $1.6 billion at list prices.

The order, originally announced as a commitment for 12 aircraft in December, has been increased to 16 Boeing 737 MAX single-aisle jets and includes 737 MAX 8s and MAX 9s, as well as purchase rights for eight additional 737 MAXs.

On December 6, 2012 Icelandair announced a commitment for 12 Boeing 737 MAXs, which Boeing valued at more than $1.2 billion at list prices. The commitment included 737 MAX 8s and 9s. Icelandair firmed its commitment on February 13, 2013, placing a firm order for 16 737 MAXs and securing purchase rights on eight more

The Icelandair announcement brings the total number of 737 MAXs ordered to date to 1,180.

“The 737 MAX will complement our Boeing 757 operations seamlessly and allow us to continue our route expansion in the most fuel-efficient manner,” says Bjorgolfur Johannsson, Icelandair Group president and CEO.

Airlines operating the 737 MAX will see a 13 per cent fuel-burn reduction compared with today’s most fuel-efficient single-aisle aircraft, according to Boeing.

Boeing 757-200 TF-FIO of Icelandair takes off from London Heathrow Airport

The Icelandair Group currently operates an all-Boeing fleet which consists of 23 Boeing 757 single-aisle aircraft, Icelandair using 757s for both its passenger and its cargo operations.

Keflavik-based Icelandair has used the geographical location of its hub, located on the western tip of Iceland in the North Atlantic between North America and Europe, as an opportunity to build a growing network of more than 35 international destinations.

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