In a groundbreaking moment for Icelandair, the beloved flag carrier has entered a new era by introducing its first Airbus aircraft, the A321LR. Up until now, Icelandair's fleet has been predominantly Boeing-owned, with the sturdy Boeing 737 MAX Jets and 757s taking the lead. However, the arrival of the A321LR marks a significant shift in the airline's trajectory.

Pilotcenter.net News has learned that on December 3, 2024, Icelandair proudly announced the acquisition of the first of three leased A321LRs set to join its fleet before summer 2025. The journey towards this milestone began back in July 6, 2023, when lessor SMBC Aviation Capital and Icelandair inked a deal for the carrier to procure four Airbus A321LR aircraft, with delivery expected towards the end of 2024. The partnership was further solidified on January 5, 2024, with the announcement of an additional A321LR scheduled for delivery in early 2026. Subsequently, on January 22, 2024, an agreement was reached between Icelandair and CDB Aviation for the long-term lease of two new Airbus A321LRs, with delivery anticipated in the latter part of 2025.

"The arrival of our first Airbus aircraft represents a momentous occasion in Icelandair's 87-year legacy. We eagerly look forward to welcoming our passengers on board later this month. The A321LR marks a new chapter for our esteemed company, bringing forth fresh opportunities and enhancing Iceland's role as a vital connection between continents. This efficient aircraft will bolster our business model, elevate our flexibility, and further our commitment to sustainability," expressed Bogi Nils Bogason, President and CEO of Icelandair, reflecting on the monumental shift.

The A321LR is poised to succeed the Boeing 757 as Icelandair's flagship aircraft, a role the latter has served faithfully for decades. Scheduled to commence operations on December 10, 2024, the initial longer-range A321LR flights will connect Iceland with Copenhagen and Stockholm, followed closely by routes to London-Heathrow on December 23, 2024, and Oslo on December 24, 2024.

"We take immense pride in seeing Icelandair's livery adorning an Airbus aircraft. The A321LR offers a substantial 30% reduction in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions per trip compared to previous-generation aircraft, in addition to significantly lower noise levels. This historic delivery underscores our shared commitment to innovation and excellence in the aviation sector," noted Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Chief Commercial Officer of Airbus, emphasizing the pivotal moment for both companies.

In a strategic move to modernize its fleet further, Icelandair placed an order for 13 A321XLR aircraft directly from Airbus in July 2023. The first A321XLR took its inaugural flight with Spanish airline Iberia on November 6, 2024, marking another significant step in Icelandair's ambitious fleet transformation.