[AMcWhirter]

It’s always interesting when airlines change aircraft manufacturers for one reason or another.

Now Icelandair, which has offered good value transatlantic fares since before the days of Sir Freddie Laker, wants to buy the new generation of A321s in preference to Boeing’s 737 MAX.

Icelandair has been a long-standing Boeing customer for many years.

It has opted for the Airbus product because, not only is it a more up-to-date aircraft, but because it can operate over longer distances.

Good news for travellers.

Icelandair, which is a player in the sixth-freedom transatlantic market, will be able to fly to more destinations in North America.

Icelandair and Airbus sign a Memorandum of Understanding for the purchase of up to 25 Airbus A321XLR aircraft

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AndrewinHK, LuganoPirate, jwhi56, Jacob, tomwjsimpson, cwoodward

[philsquares]

Just to clarify, the MOU is not a firm order. Icelandair could still walk away should they get a better deal from Boeing.

[AMcWhirter]

Thanks for pointing that out philsquares.

However at the end of the above copy the comments from Bogl Nils Bogason, president and CEO of Icelandair, suggest the Airbus product is favourite.

It’s not only the price.

The Airbus A321 XLR has a longer range. As a sixth-freedom carrier Icelandair must continue to look for new market opportunities.

Airbus’ website shows the A321 XLR as having a range of 4,700 nautical miles (8,700 kms).

Boeing’s website displays a range for the 737 MAX 7 of 3,825 nautical miles (7,085 kms).

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LuganoPirate, jwhi56

[AMcWhirter]

Airbus order now confirmed.

Media reports say that Icelandair has ordered 13 A321XLRs (XLR = extra long range) and will lease four A321LRs.

It will enable Icelandair to operate to a greater number of destinations in North America.

However the first of the XLRs will not enter service until 2029 although the LRs are planned to be in service by summer 2025.

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