Icelandair in talks with Airbus and Boeing for 757 replacement
Icelandair in talks with Airbus and Boeing for 757 replacement

Icelandair in talks with Airbus and Boeing for 757 replacement

Icelandair in talks with Airbus and Boeing for 757 replacement

According to a local Icelandic newspaper, Icelandair is reportedly in talks with Airbus and Boeing for an aircraft that can replace their ageing fleet of 757s.

The airline has sent both manufacturers a letter requesting formal negotiations leading to a potential order for aircraft that could replace their fleet of Boeing 757s over the next few years.

Icelandair is already in the process of receiving new Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, consisting of both MAX 8 and the larger MAX 9 variants set to seat 153 to 172 passengers respective of the variant size. Nine MAX 8s and seven MAX 9s are to be delivered between 2018 and 2021.

Icelandair in talks with Airbus and Boeing for 757 replacement
Icelandair Boeing 737 MAX 8 (image: Anna Zvereva)

Despite the excellent operating performance the Boeing 737 MAX has been offering to the airline, it’s become clear that a larger aircraft with slightly more range would be needed for some routes. Boeing has no real replacement for the 757, which ended production in 2004, however is studying a new aircraft dubbed the ‘797’ or ‘NMA’ by various aviation communities and figures.

For Airbus, the likely pitch is the A321LR which they love to advertise as the perfect Boeing 757 replacement. Anything larger is unlikely as the airline previously cancelled their order for three Boeing 787 Dreamliners in 2011.

As the talks progress and more information is disclosed, this post will be updated or replaced with an announcement.