Icelandair’s First Airbus A321LR Takes Flight

Icelandair’s first Airbus A321LR, registered TF-IAA, completed its inaugural test flight from Hamburg-Finkenwerder (XFW) on November 19, 2024. The flight, a key step in the standard testing process before official delivery, featured the aircraft already adorned with Icelandair’s full livery.

This marks a significant milestone for Icelandair, which has primarily operated Boeing aircraft for decades. The airline had been seeking a replacement for its aging Boeing 757 fleet, retired in October 2024. Initially opting for the Boeing 737 MAX, Icelandair switched gears in July 2023, finalizing a deal with Airbus for four A321LRs and 13 A321XLRs, with 12 additional options. The airline plans to operate a mixed fleet of Boeing and Airbus planes until at least 2030.

Icelandair’s CEO, Bogi Nils Bogason, hinted during the airline’s 2023 Capital Markets Day that the A321XLR could facilitate flights to more distant locations such as Dubai and the U.S. West Coast. The A321LR will feature a two-class cabin, with 22 seats in Saga Premium Business Class and 166 in Economy, totaling 168 seats.

The aircraft is expected to enter service in December 2024, with the remaining three A321LRs to be delivered before summer 2025. Initially, the A321LR will serve European routes, including Copenhagen (CPH), Stockholm (ARN), London-Heathrow (LHR), and Oslo (OSL) by the end of 2024. The first transatlantic flight will be to Seattle-Tacoma (SEA) starting May 7, 2025.

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