Icelandair Brings in Lithuanian Aircraft to Cover Fleet Delay

Icelandair has confirmed it is temporarily using an aircraft and crew from a Lithuanian airline as part of its regular operational arrangements. As reported by RÚV , the aircraft, owned by Heston Airlines , has been leased since 3 June and will remain in service until 8 June. According to Icelandair , the arrangement was made after a delay in the delivery of a new Airbus aircraft from the manufacturer. What's the Story? Icelandair leased an aircraft and crew from Heston Airlines in Lithuania from 3 June to 8 June Lease arranged following a delay in the delivery of a new Airbus aircraft Several dozen Icelandair flights have been cancelled in recent weeks due to crew shortages Inside an Icelandair airplane. Photo: Páll Stefánsson A spokesperson for the carrier said bringing in external aircraft and crew is a routine measure used by airlines to help maintain schedules when fleet availability is affected. Guðni Sigurðsson, Icelandair’s public relations officer, confirmed the lease was solely linked to the delayed aircraft delivery and stressed it had no connection to the ongoing wage dispute between the airline and the Icelandic Airline Pilots Association (FIA) . The clarification comes after several dozen Icelandair flights were cancelled in recent weeks because of crew shortages. However, the pilots’ union has rejected suggestions of industrial action. Jón Þór Þorvaldsson, chairman of the Icelandic Airline Pilots Association (FIA) , said the company’s pilots were not taking part in any strike action, either officially or unofficially. Icelandair maintains that the temporary lease is a standard operational solution designed to support services until the delayed aircraft enters its fleet. The post Icelandair Brings in Lithuanian Aircraft to Cover Fleet Delay appeared first on Iceland Review .