Icelandair Takes Delivery Of First Airbus Aircraft Ever

Icelandair has taken delivery of its first Airbus A321LR, marking a new era for the company in terms of its fleet composition.

Delivery occurred on December 3, 2024. The arrival represented the first Airbus aircraft delivered by the planemaker in its lengthy 87-year history.

Icelandair hopes that the first delivery will allow three additional aircraft to arrive before the important 2025 summer schedule commences.

However, given the continued complexities of supply chains and their knock-on effect on aircraft deliveries, there’s uncertainty over whether such a thing will be possible. Thus, Icelandair has to prepare for the worst and the ideal outcome.

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 efforts.

Bogi Nils Bogason, Icelandair President and CEO

The first aircraft is also thanks to a leasing agreement with SMBC Aviation Capital Limited. The agreement revolves around the carrier’s fleet renewal program, which is currently underway.

What’s Happening To Icelandair’s Fleet?

Icelandair is hellbent on improving its fleet, and with that, the focus on finding a successor to the Boeing 757 has been a strong focal point in recent years.

While a fundamental part of the day-to-day operation, the 757 is beginning to show signs of age. The 757-300 has already been permanently retired, with just the -200 left in service.

The A321LR was ultimately selected as the successor to the 757. This Airbus narrowbody brings greater range capabilities and 187 passengers in a two-class configuration, Premium and Economy.

Icelandair says its A321LRs can fly up to 4,000 nautical miles or 7,400 kilometres, which means they’ll also seamlessly fit into routes operated by the 757.

However, the benefits will far exceed this. The LR is expected to be up to 30% more fuel efficient than the outgoing Boeing type, showcasing the continued advancements in sustainable efforts.

Therefore, operating the A321LR will help Icelandair align with its sustainability goals, which it has long put at the forefront of its business. Reducing CO2 emissions, noise footprint, and boosting operational efficiency are all focus, and the new aircraft will enable this.

Looking deeper into the future, the arrival of the A321XLR will enhance the network even further, with a wide array of new potential destinations for these planes.