Icelandair has taken an important step with the fleet of its first Airbus A321LR, registered with TF-IAA. The first test flight of the long-haul aircraft took place on November 19, 2024 in Hamburg-Finkenwerder. These events mark the beginning of a chapter for the airline, which for decades had almost exclusively Boeing aircraft in its new fleet.
For years, Icelandair has been looking for a suitable replacement for its alternative Boeing 757 fleet. After initially opting for the Boeing 737 MAX, the airline announced an order for four Airbus A321LRs and 13 A321XLRs in July 2023, with an option for a further twelve aircraft. The decision in favor of Airbus not only reflects the modernization of the fleet, but also opens up new strategic opportunities for the airline. While the Boeing 757 is increasingly challenging with its age and increased maintenance requirements, the Airbus A321LR offers a more environmentally friendly alternative with greater efficiency and range.
Concrete operational plans and future expansions
The first A321LRs will enter commercial operations in December 2024. Planned routes include European destinations such as Copenhagen, Stockholm, London Heathrow and Oslo. In April 2025, Seattle will be the first transatlantic destination, served on the A321LR. The range of more than 7,400 kilometers is the ideal model for Icelandair’s transatlantic hub.
The Airbus A321LR has 168 seats, including 22 seats in Business Class (Saga Premium). This configuration allows Icelandair to capitalize on demand on lucrative routes while reducing fuel costs. The planned introduction of the A321XLR from 2029 could bring more distant destinations such as Dubai or the US West Coast within reach.
Importance for the airline and the market
The decision to operate both Boeing and Airbus aircraft in parallel demonstrates Icelandair’s focus on flexibility and adaptability. The Airbus addition strengthens the airline’s competitiveness in an increasingly demanding market. At the same time, this step underlines the airline’s commitment to making its fleet more environmentally friendly and efficient.
This step is also important for the Icelandic economy and tourism: more capacity and new routes could lead to increased passenger volumes and strengthen Iceland’s position as an attractive travel destination.
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