Icelandair has taken a significant step in its fleet renewal program by introducing its first Airbus aircraft, the A321LR. This new addition is intended to replace the airline's aging Boeing 757s, which have already begun to be phased out. The A321LR will serve as an interim solution until the delivery of the more advanced Airbus A321XLR, scheduled for 2029.
Grimur Gislason, Icelandair’s Director for North America, shared insights on future plans involving the A321XLR during an interview with Simple Flying at the delivery event for the A321LR. He mentioned that Texas and California are potential new destinations for Icelandair.
The Airbus A321LR offers improvements over older aircraft models like the Boeing 757, being quieter and more fuel-efficient. Icelandair plans to introduce several A321LRs into service over the next few years to accommodate peak travel periods.