Icelandair saw 519,000 passengers in June of 2023. This figure represents a 20% increase over June of last year, when Icelandair served some 431,000 passengers.
The first half of 2023 has seen some 1.8 million passengers fly with the Icelandic airline, an increase of 31% compared with 2022.
International flights of course comprised the great majority of June flights, at 493,000. Of these international flights, 43% were to Iceland, 13% from Iceland, and 44% were stop-over passengers.
According to Icelandair, demand from North America has been particularly strong. Icelandair operated at 86% load capacity this June, and 90% load capacity for its North American routes.
Despite the increased numbers, only 67% of international flights were on time. Icelandair stated that this figure was below the company’s goals.
25 Airbus jets
In addition to the growing passenger number, the airline also announced its acquisition of 25 Airbus A321XLR aircraft.
The agreement was signed on April 7 and is now finalised.
The new jets, whose XLR designation indicates “Extra Long Range,” boast 11 hours of non-stop flight time, a capacity of 220 seats, and a 30% lower fuel burn than the previous generation of airliners. According to Airbus’ website, the model is intended to combine the long range and comfort of widebody jets with the economic savings of a single-aisle jet.
Delivery of the new aircraft is expected to begin in 2029.
Bogi Nils Bogason, President and CEO of Icelandair stated regarding the latest purchase: “We are very pleased to announce that we have now finalized the purchase agreement with Airbus. The efficient A321XLR aircraft will further strengthen our business model, increase our flexibility and provide opportunities for future growth, as well as further support our sustainability efforts.”
