The Airbus A321XLR, renowned for its extra-long range, will open up new market opportunities for Icelandair.
Airbus has announced that Icelandair, the prominent Icelandic airline headquartered in Keflavik, has placed a firm order for 13 A321XLR aircraft, marking its entry as a new Airbus customer. Additionally, the airline plans to lease four A321LRs, further expanding its fleet and enhancing its operational capabilities. The Airbus A321XLR, renowned for its extra-long range, will open up new market opportunities for Icelandair. The aircraft’s extended range will not only allow the airline to explore new routes but also reduce operating costs and support its sustainability goals. Passengers can expect exceptional cabin comfort during their journeys aboard the A321XLR.
Bogi Nils Bogason, CEO, Icelandair said, “We are very pleased to announce that we have now finalized the purchase agreement with Airbus. The efficient A321XLR aircraft will further strengthen our business model, increase our flexibility and provide opportunities for future growth, as well as further support our sustainability efforts. The first aircraft is scheduled for delivery in 2029, but we plan to have four Airbus aircraft in operation before summer of 2025 and have now secured the lease of new A321LR aircraft with our long-term partner SMBC Aviation Capital Limited.”
The Airbus A321XLR is a significant advancement from the A320neo family, designed to cater to the market’s demand for extended range and payload, delivering enhanced value for airlines. With an impressive Xtra Long Range of up to 4,700 nautical miles (8,704 kilometers), the A321XLR offers 15% more range than its predecessor, the A321LR. Moreover, it boasts a 30% lower fuel burn per seat compared to previous-generation competitor aircraft, leading to reduced NOx emissions and noise levels.
Christian Scherer, Chief Commercial Officer, Airbus and Head, Airbus International said, “We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Icelandair for placing their trust and confidence in Airbus. It fills us with immense pride to welcome Icelandair as a new Airbus customer. By harnessing the exceptional performance of the A321XLR, your airline is forging a path of sustainable growth with remarkable efficiency and a significant reduction in CO2 emissions.”
Passengers can look forward to a superior travel experience with the A321XLR’s Airspace cabin, providing exceptional comfort in all classes. The aircraft combines the amenities typically found on long-haul wide-body planes with the cost-effectiveness of a single-aisle aircraft. The popularity of the A320neo Family is evident, with over 8,750 orders accumulated from 136 customers worldwide as of the end of May 2023. The addition of Icelandair to the Airbus customer base further solidifies the aircraft manufacturer’s position as a leader in the aviation industry.
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The delivery of the Airbus A321XLR aircraft to Icelandair represents a significant milestone for both parties. Icelandair’s commitment to sustainable growth and operational efficiency, combined with the exceptional capabilities of the A321XLR, will undoubtedly contribute to the airline’s continued success in the global aviation market.
