Icelandair’s Transition to Airbus A321LR
Icelandair, historically known for its loyalty to Boeing aircraft, is taking a significant step in its fleet evolution with the introduction of the Airbus A321LR, the first of which is scheduled for delivery in November 2024. This marks the beginning of a new era for the airline as it starts to diversify its fleet composition. The new aircraft, currently under the Airbus test registration D-AZXZ, will be re-registered as TF-IAA upon delivery. It features a distinctive magenta-tinged version of Icelandair’s traditional white and navy livery.
The airline has placed an order for four A321LRs from Airbus, intended to gradually replace some of its aging Boeing 757-200s. This replacement strategy not only ensures modernization of the fleet but also enhances operational efficiency and fuel economy. The introduction of the A321LR is a strategic move to maintain competitiveness and expand its operational capabilities, particularly on longer routes that demand more fuel-efficient aircraft.
Deployment and Route Expansion
Starting December 10, 2024, Icelandair will deploy the A321LR on routes from its hub at Reykjavik-Keflavik Airport (KEF) to Copenhagen (CPH) and Stockholm (ARN), followed closely by services to London-Heathrow (LHR) and Oslo (OSL). The choice of these initial destinations demonstrates Icelandair’s commitment to strengthening its presence in key European markets.
By April and May 2025, the airline plans to extend the A321LR service to include Manchester (MAN) and Glasgow (GLA), respectively. Additionally, Amsterdam (AMS) and Brussels (BRU) will also be serviced by this new aircraft, showcasing its versatility and range capabilities. The A321LR’s extended range is particularly advantageous for Icelandair, allowing the airline to explore new markets such as Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) in the US, starting May 7, 2025. This route emphasizes the aircraft’s capability to handle transatlantic flights efficiently.
Furthermore, the deployment extends to other significant European cities like Rome (FCO), Berlin (BER), and Paris (CDG) by June 2025, following the delivery of all four aircraft. These additions underline Icelandair’s strategy to enhance its network connectivity and provide passengers with more travel options.
Fleet Configuration and Capabilities
The A321LR aircraft will be configured with 22 lie-flat business class seats and 165 economy class seats, offering a blend of comfort and efficiency. The aircraft boasts a range of up to 4,000 nautical miles (7,400 km), fitting seamlessly into the current route network while providing a slight capacity increase over the older 757s. This configuration not only caters to business travelers seeking comfort but also accommodates leisure travelers with competitive pricing.
As part of its broader fleet renewal strategy, Icelandair has also placed orders for 13 A321XLR aircraft. This variant will further enhance the airline’s ability to operate longer routes and open up new long-haul opportunities. The A321XLRs are anticipated to replace the remaining Boeing 757-200s, thereby completing the transition towards a more modern and efficient fleet.