Icelandair’s upcoming A321neos to be covered by Airbus’ Flight Hour Services (FHS)

Hamburg, December 2nd, 2024 - Iceland flag carrier and new Airbus customer Icelandair, has chosen Airbus’ Flight Hour Services (FHS) to support the component requirements of their upcoming A321LR aircraft fleet, replacing older generation competitor aircraft. A second phase will include the future A321XLR aircraft in this agreement, ensuring that the entire airline's Airbus fleet is covered by Airbus's OEM expertise in FHS.

FHS will offer a comprehensive 360° Power-By-the-Hour (PBH) service, featuring dedicated on-site inventory in Reykjavík, access to FHS’ pools around the world and a comprehensive component repair service. With a strong focus on component quality and reliability, Icelandair will benefit from Airbus’ engineering expertise. This will not only help ensure part availability but also further enhance aircraft technical performance by maximising fleet operational availability.

“During our negotiations we experienced great communication and professionalism where our specific needs were taken seriously and taken into consideration.  The contracted service level is very promising and stock locations around the world are ideal for Icelandair’s operations. Icelandair also received good references from current FHS customers, which emphasized Airbus’ ability as well as flexibility for smooth operations.” Eiríkur Smári Vilhjálmsson, Manager at Icelandair’s Contracts Department said.

“FHS is honoured to partner with such a prestigious operator, as Icelandair makes the historic decision to take delivery of Airbus aircraft for the first time. With our mutual interests well aligned in the aircraft, we will continue to be attentive to Icelandair’s operational needs as we accompany them from the entry into service of the first A321LR aircraft and as the fleet grows. We thank the Icelandair team for their trust and look forward to further strengthening our long-term industrial partnership together.” Delphine Gianoglio, Head of Airbus Services Sales Europe said.

For Icelandair, this agreement will help ensure a smooth transition to the A320 Family aircraft, the most modern and best-selling single aisle fleet in the world with over 18,500 aircraft ordered in the world, as mentioned in the latest Orders & Deliveries.

In July 2024, Icelandair placed a firm order for 13 Airbus A321XLR, making the airline a new Airbus customer. The airline is also planning to lease four A321LRs. This FHS agreement will therefore ensure a smooth entry into service of the type, as the first aircraft, TF-IAA, has joined Icelandair’s fleet in December with a total of four A321LR aircraft to be delivered by summer 2025.

The A320neo’s long-range variant – the A321LR – provides extended range, capable of flying routes of up to 4,000 nm with 206 passengers by utilising extra fuel in three Additional Centre Tanks (ACTs). Ideally suited to transatlantic routes, the A321LR allows airlines to tap into new long-haul markets not previously accessible with current single-aisle aircraft.

The A321XLR represents the next evolution of the A320neo, designed to meet market demands for greater range and payload, thereby enhancing value for airlines. It offers an impressive Xtra Long Range of up to 4,700 nautical miles along with a 30% reduction in fuel consumption per seat compared to earlier competitor models, as well as lower NOx emissions and noise levels.

For passengers, the A321XLR features the new Airspace cabin, ensuring an exceptional travel experience with seating in all classes that provides the same high comfort found in long-haul widebody aircraft, but at the lower costs of a single-aisle model. To date more than 6,700 A321neo have been ordered by more than 90 customers across the globe.

On the photo, from left to right:

Bogi Nils, CEO of Icelandair and Benoît de Saint Exupery, VP Sales Airbus.