REYKJAVIK- In a boost to its route network, Icelandair (FI) has scheduled the introduction of its new Airbus A321LR aircraft on several key destinations from its Reykjavík (KEF) hub.
Icelandair will take delivery of its first Airbus A321LR this month (November 2024), marking a significant step in the airline’s fleet transition from Boeing 757-200 aircraft. The new A321LR, sporting Icelandair’s distinctive livery, was recently rolled out of Airbus’ paint shop in Hamburg, Germany.
Icelandair A321LR Routes
Starting on December 10, the carrier will deploy the longer-range A321LR on flights to Copenhagen (CPH) and Stockholm (ARN). This will be followed by the launch of A321LR services to London Heathrow (LHR) on December 23 and Oslo (OSL) on the following day, December 24, Ishrion Aviation reported.
The A321LR’s range capabilities will also enable Icelandair to launch new transatlantic routes, with Seattle (SEA) set to be connected from Reykjavík beginning May 7, and flights to Rome (FCO), Berlin (BER), and Paris (CDG) commencing in June 2024.
Additionally, the airline plans to operate limited A321LR flights to Manchester (MAN) in April 2025 and Glasgow (GLA) the following month. Amsterdam (AMS) and Brussels (BRU) will also be served by the new narrowbody aircraft.
Replacing Old Boeing 757
Bogi Bogason, Icelandair’s CEO, expressed excitement about the milestone, stating, “I’m excited to share that Icelandair’s first Airbus A321LR, TF-IAA was rolled out of Airbus’ paint shop in Hamburg. We will take delivery of the first Airbus aircraft in November this year, and we’re excited to grow our fleet by a total of four new A321s by summer 2025.”
Icelandair’s fleet currently comprises 45 aircraft, including 17 Boeing 737 MAX 8, three Boeing 737 MAX 9, 13 Boeing 757-200s, and three Boeing 757-300s. The airline serves numerous destinations in Europe and the United States, as well as seasonal routes to Canada.
The introduction of the Airbus A321LR marks a strategic move by Icelandair to modernize its fleet. The airline has also ordered 13 Airbus A321XLR aircraft, which are expected to replace the aging Boeing 757-200 fleet by 2027.
Icelandair has highlighted the A321XLR’s capabilities, stating that it can “do more” than the legacy Boeing 757.
The Airbus A321LR offers greater range and efficiency compared to the Boeing 757-200, allowing Icelandair to expand its network and optimize its operations.
Icelandair’s A321LR fleet will be configured with 22 lie-flat Business Class (Saga) seats and 165 Economy Class seats, offering customers enhanced comfort and amenities on both short- and long-haul routes.
Feature Image by spottingatxfw | Planespotters.net
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