Icelandair Receives First A321-200NX(LR) as Fleet Expands
Icelandair has welcomed its first A321-200NX(LR) aircraft into its fleet on December 3, 2024. The new addition marks a key step in the airline’s ongoing fleet renewal and expansion strategy. The aircraft, registered TF-IAA (msn 12213), flew directly from Hamburg Finkenwerder to Reykjavik Keflavik, where it will soon begin commercial service on December 10.
The A321-200NX(LR) is the first of twenty extended-range A321neo aircraft Icelandair expects to receive as part of its strategy to modernize and grow its fleet. This order includes seven A321-200NX(LR)s and thirteen A321-200NY(XLR)s. The addition of these aircraft is designed to enhance Icelandair’s long-haul and short-haul operations, offering greater fuel efficiency and flexibility.
Starting December 10, Icelandair will deploy TF-IAA on its first commercial flights from Reykjavik Keflavik to Stockholm Arlanda and Copenhagen Kastrup. Beginning January 1, the aircraft will be redeployed on daily routes to London Heathrow and Oslo Gardermoen. From May 1, it will also begin flying to Toronto Pearson, expanding Icelandair’s reach across the Atlantic.
Icelandair has confirmed plans to add three more A321-200NX(LR)s by the first half of 2025. These aircraft will be leased from SMBC Aviation Capital and CDB Aviation, with five of the NX(LR) models sourced from SMBC and two from CDB. The airline has also placed an order for the more advanced A321-200NY(XLR) models directly with Airbus, further strengthening its fleet for long-haul operations.
In a related development, Icelandair has announced a delay in the retirement of its remaining two Boeing 757-300 aircraft, which were originally scheduled to be retired in October 2024. These aircraft, TF-FIX (msn 29434) and TF-ISX (msn 30179), continue to operate as part of the airline’s fleet. TF-FIX most recently flew from Reykjavik to Copenhagen on December 1 before being ferried to Samarkand. Meanwhile, TF-ISX remains at Reykjavik after completing its last flight from Copenhagen to Reykjavik on November 28. Both aircraft are still registered under the Icelandic aircraft registry, indicating their continued operational status for the time being.
The fleet changes come as Icelandair works to modernize its aircraft and improve operational efficiency. The introduction of the A321-200NX(LR) aircraft marks a significant milestone for the airline as it aims to enhance its service offerings and expand its network. With the delayed retirement of its older Boeing 757-300s, Icelandair is ensuring that its operations continue smoothly as it transitions to its new, more fuel-efficient Airbus fleet.
This step forward signals Icelandair’s commitment to staying competitive in the evolving aviation market while meeting the growing demand for both short- and long-haul flights.
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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com