newstodate.aero

Apr 11, 2023 (newstodate): The Icelandair Group's plans for a future aircraft type to replace its fleet of aging Boeing 757 aircraft were shelved as the coronavirus struck.
    So far, Icelandair has been a staunch Boeing customer, but Icelandair now sees it future with Airbus after signing an MoU for the purchase of 13 Airbus A321XLR aircraft, with purchase rights for another 12 aircraft.
   Deliveries are slated to commence in 2029, but Icelandair expects to introduce the Airbus A321XLR already from 2025 by leasing four aircraft of the type as an interim solution.
   Icelandair now plans to see the first of its currently 19 Boeing 757-200 aircraft leaving the fleet from 2026.
   In the fleet of the carrier today are also 16 Boeing 737 MAX as well as three Boeing 767-300ER, as well as five Dash 8 aircraft.  
   Choosing the Airbus A321XLR over the Boeing alternative, the Boeing 787, is actually not the first Airbus-order placed by Icelandair.  
   On May 24, 2007, Icelandair Cargo and Icelease, subsidiaries of Icelandair Group, signed an agreement with Avion Aircraft Trading on the lease and purchase of four new Airbus A330-200 freighter aircraft with two of the aircraft to be delivered in the spring of 2010, and the remaining two to follow in 2011.
   The carrier, however, reversed its decision in April, 2008, canceling its agreement with the leasing company and leaving AAT with the contract.