In a defining moment in Icelandair’s 87-year history, the Icelandic flag carrier has become the world’s newest Airbus operator with the arrival of an A321LR.
For decades Icelandair’s fleet has been dominated by Boeing aircraft, which includes Boeing 737 MAX Jets and 757s, but the Airbus A321LR’s arrival signals the start of a new path ahead.
On December 3, 2024, Icelandair announced that it had taken delivery of the first of three leased A321LRs scheduled for delivery before summer 2025.
On July 6, 2023, lessor SMBC Aviation Capital and Icelandair confirmed the carrier would acquire four Airbus A321LR aircraft with delivery expected in the last few months of 2024.
The two parties then announced on January 5, 2024, that an additional A321LR would be delivered at the start of 2026.
Just weeks later on January 22, 2024, a long-term lease agreement for two new Airbus A321LRs was signed between Icelandair and CDB Aviation, with delivery expected in the second half of 2025.
“The delivery of the first Airbus is a significant milestone in Icelandair’s 87-year history, and we look forward to welcoming our passengers on board later this month. The aircraft will unleash new opportunities for our great company, and for Iceland as a destination and hub between continents. The efficient A321 will further strengthen our business model, increase our flexibility and further support our sustainability effort,” said Bogi Nils Bogason, Icelandair President and CEO.
The A321LR will be the successor of Icelandair’s Boeing 757, which has been the backbone of the airline’s fleet for decades.
Commencing on December 10, 2024, the carrier will deploy its first longer-range A321LR on flights from Iceland to Copenhagen (CPH) and Stockholm (ARN).
These services will be followed with the addition of A321LR flights to London-Heathrow (LHR) on December 23, 2024, and Oslo (OSL) on December 24, 2024.
“We are proud to see Icelandair’s colours on an Airbus aircraft. The A321LR offers a 30% reduction in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions per trip compared to previous-generation competition aircraft, as well as significantly lower noise levels. This milestone delivery is therefore a testament to our shared commitment to innovation and excellence in aviation,” said Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Airbus Chief Commercial Officer.
In a further push of its fleet overhaul, Icelandair also ordered 13 A321XLR aircraft in July 2023 directly from Airbus.
The first Airbus A321XLR began commercial operations for Spanish airline Iberia on November 6, 2024.