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Icelandair, formerly Boeing operator, places order for 13 Airbus A321XLRs
Airbus A321XLR
Image: Airbus
Rafael Ramos
7/6/2023
Icelandair has placed an order for 13 Airbus A321XLR. The airline has maintained fleets made up of Boeing planes for a long time, but with this firm order it will become the operator of the European manufacturer's aircraft as well. The new planes will arrive from 2029.
Currently, the airline's fleet consists of Boeing 767s, 757s and 737s, both the MAX and NG, as well as DHC Dash 8s.
The Airbus plane is very fuel efficient, reducing emissions and greatly increasing the aircraft's range to around 4700 nm (8705 km).
"We're not waiting on Boeing. We want to grow and develop our network. But the MAX doesn't go beyond Seattle and so on. In the past, we've flown to San Francisco along the West Coast. There are opportunities for us that the MAX doesn't get." fulfill", said Bogi Nils Bogason, CEO of the company.
In addition, the company plans to operate Airbus planes first. Thus, four other A321LR aircraft will be acquired through leasing.
“The first aircraft is scheduled for delivery in 2029, but we plan to have four Airbus aircraft in service before the summer of 2025 and we have now secured a lease for new A321LR aircraft with our long-term partner SMBC Aviation Capital Limited,” he said.
The decision to operate Airbus aircraft may have been taken because of the lack of a new medium-sized aircraft from Boeing, as the 737 MAX-10, which has yet to be certified, does not directly replace the Boeing 757.
Airbus A321LR
Image: Airbus
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Rafael Ramos
Aviation enthusiast from an early age, he had his first contacts with the area developing that good old habit of spending dozens of hours in front of the screens of Micrsoft Flight Simulator and other simulators. With a solid background in various technological areas, including engineering and chemistry, Rafael has rejoined aviation as editor and author of articles and materials on our portal, providing invaluable help to the dynamics and expansion of the website and the aeronautical community, bringing us the news and updates so indispensable for us to remain current in our area of operation.
   
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