Icelandair plans to let go of 45 pilots due to the grounding of the Boeing 737 MAX.
The Reykjavik-based airline confirmed to aviation24.be that it will dismiss 24 pilots and suspend the recruitment of 21 others as its four MAX 8 and its single MAX 9 are currently grounded.
This decision was made as it is expected that the suspension of the 737 MAX aircraft will last longer than anticipated and we have made changes to our flight schedule until September 15, 2019, to reflect that,” an Icelandair spokeswoman said to ATW.
The order, however, should not be affected and deliveries should continue until 2021. Eleven 737 MAXs have yet to be delivered to the airline. As for the summer season, Icelandair has leased four 757-200 and 767-300ER.
Last month as it was presenting its quarter results, Icelandair Group revealed that it was considering introducing the A321neo into its all-Boeing fleet. The operation of the Airbus aircraft, alongside the Boeing 737 MAX, would allow the airline to accelerate the phasing out of its aging 757-200. A possible transition to an all-Airbus fleet is also being studied.
As for compensations for the grounding of the 737 MAX, Icelandair Group indicated that “discussions with Boeing have been initiated”.