Icelandair has confirmed that it will long-term lease two new Airbus A321LR aircraft from lessor CDB Aviation, with delivery expected in the second half of 2025.
The new agreement was announced by Icelandair on January 22, 2024, at a time when the airline’s focus remains on replacing its fleet of Boeing 757 jets.
News of the new two Airbus A321LR aircraft comes after Icelandair announced on January 5, 2024, that it had signed an agreement with lessor SMBC for a single aircraft of the same type to be delivered at the start of 2026.
Previously on July 6, 2023, SMBC and Icelandair confirmed the carrier would lease four Airbus A321LR aircraft with delivery expected in the last few months of 2024.
Icelandair has therefore now agreed to lease seven A321LR planes as it awaits delivery of its own aircraft from Airbus.
On July 26, 2023, Airbus and Icelandair confirmed a firm order for 13 Airbus A321XLR to be delivered at the start of 2029, with the option for up to 12 more.
Both the A321LR and XLR aircraft are part of Icelandair’s plan to replace the carrier’s Boeing 757 jets.
“We continue our fleet renewal and are very pleased to announce the lease of two new aircraft from CDB Aviation, expanding our business relationship with the company. We have already started entry into service preparation for these efficient aircraft that will replace our Boeing 757’s. They will provide exciting opportunities and possibilities to explore new destinations as well as further support our sustainability efforts,” Bogi Nils Bogason, Icelandair President and CEO, said.
According to ch-aviation.com data, Icelandair currently has 46 aircraft in its fleet, including 18 Boeing 737 MAX, 14 757-200, two 757-300, and three 767-300ER aircraft.