Icelandair, the national airline of Iceland, is considering the idea of introducing the Airbus A321neo to replace its current Boeing 757-fleet. In addition to that, the airline is also looking for the opportunities to switch its current all-Boeing fleet to an all-Airbus fleet, Flightglobal reports.

Those findings for a potential replacement for the Boeing 757-fleet are part of a long-term strategic review. Originally, the airline was intending to increase the size of its all-Boeing fleet from 33 to 50 aircraft by 2025, consisting of 26 Boeing 737 MAX 8/9 aircraft, 19 Boeing 757-200/300 aircraft and 5 Boeing 767-300ER aircraft. Earlier, during a first-quarter briefing, The Icelandair Group announced that other long-term scenarios are now under consideration.

One of these scenarios includes accelerating the phase-out of the Boeing 757s with the introduction of the Airbus A321neo, which would operate alongside the Boeing 737 MAX 8/9. Another scenario could be switching its current all Boeing-fleet to an all-Airbus fleet.

An Icelandair Boeing 737 MAX 8. Photo Credit Roberts Abols / Aeronautics Online.

If the airline decides to order the Airbus A321neo, it will be the first time in the airline’s history that the airline takes delivery of an Airbus aircraft. Since its founding in 1937, the airline has flown several aircraft from Boeing (Boeing 727, 737, 747, 757, and 767), Canadair, (McDonnell) Douglas (DC-3, DC-4, DC-6, DC-8, and DC-10), Fokker (F-27, F50) and Vickers Viscount.

Icelandair’s current fleet consists of six Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, 28 Boeing 757 aircraft (26 Boeing 757-200, 2 Boeing 757-300) and four Boeing 767-300ERs. However, the Boeing 737 MAX fleet is currently grounded as a result of the global regulatory action against the aircraft type. According to the airline, the grounding of its Boeing 737 MAX-fleet cost the airline around $3 million during the first quarter. At the moment, the airline has initiated discussions with the Boeing regarding compensation for the financial loss resulting from the suspension.

The Boeing 757 is Icelandair most important aircraft in its fleet. (Photo: EK056 / Flickr)

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