The flag carrier airline of Iceland – Icelandair, in a new development has taken delivery of another Boeing 737-8 MAX aircraft. The new addition to the airlines’ fleet comes as a part of the multi-aircraft air deal which was announced back in October 2021 with the Aviation Capital Group (ACG). For those unaware, Icelandair is part of the Icelandair Group and operates to destinations on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean from its main hub at Keflavík International Airport.
Icelandair Looks to Expand
The sale and leaseback for two Boeing 737-8 MAX aircraft and one Boeing 737-9 MAX aircraft will enable the airline to release capital by selling the aircraft to ACG and then leasing them back. The CEO of Icelandair, Bogi Nils Bogason talked about the important role of Boeing 737 MAX aircraft in the future of the airlines’ fleet and stated that the renewal of airlines’ fleet with new eco-efficient aeroplanes like the Boeing 737 MAX is an important step towards reaching the ambitious goals of reducing the company’s carbon emissions by 50% by 2030. Icelandair resumed the operations of its Boeing 737 MAX aircraft in March 2021 and also introduced its new livery aircraft which happened to be the airlines’ first refresh since 2006. The aircraft fly from the Keflavík International Airport to a number of destinations across Europe and North America. The airports basically act as a connecting hub between the two continents. Routes operated by the Boeing 737 MAX include Chicago, Newark, and even as far as away as Portland. As far as the aircraft itself is considered, Icelandair’s Boeing 737 MAX aircraft seats 160 passengers – 16 in business class (Saga Class) and 144 in the economy, while the larger -9 variant seats 178. The flight has a maximum speed capacity of 521mph (839kmph) and a range of up to 4,045miles (6,510km). Moreover, the latest aircraft via its modern technologies help save about 37% of fuel per trip in comparison to the Boeing 757-200 aircraft.
