newstodate.aero

Jun 27, 2024 (newstodate): Icelandair is preparing for the introduction of new Airbus aircraft in the fleet.
   One pertinent step is the acquisition from CAE of an Airbus A320 Family full-flight simulator to support the entry-into-service of the airline’s new Airbus A321 fleet in 2025.
   The new CAE simulator will be installed at the CAE Reykjavik - Icelandair Flight Training Centre, a JV between the two companies, and will be ready for training by the end of 2025.
   In April 2023 Icelandair placed its first order for the purchase of 13 Airbus A321XLR aircraft, with purchase rights - now exercised - for another 12 aircraft, and in January 2024 Icelandair signed up for lease from CDB Aviation of another batch of two Airbus A321LR aircraft for delivery in H2/2025.
   Deliveries of these 25 aircraft are slated to commence in 2029, but already in May 2023 Icelandair revealed plans for advancing the introduction of the Airbus A321XLR by leasing four aircraft of the type from SMBC as an interim solution, with the first delivery in 2024.
   Also in January this year, Icelandair announced a follow-up lease agreement with SMBC for a fifth Airbus A321XLR to be delivered in Q1/2026.
   In total, Icelandair has thus placed purchase orders and lease agreements for a total of 32 long-range Airbus A321 aircraft to replace the 17 Boeing 757 aircraft now in the fleet.