Quantcast

Icelandair reflects on milestones after eight decades of operation

A No-Frills Airline Is Getting Into the Premium Game
US Senate panel criticizes rising airline seat fees, will call execs to testify
Spirit’s Demise Is a Lesson in ‘Airline-o-nomics’
Inside BA’s new first-class suites: £800 an hour for most private seat
Focus: US airline flight crews confident and angry as unions seek richer contracts
Hawaiian Airlines Eliminates Widebody Route Amid Alaska Airlines Merger
US budget airlines are struggling. Will pursuing premium passengers solve their problems?
Delta CEO says the Trump administration will reverse government ‘overreach’ seen under Biden
Spirit Airlines files for bankruptcy: How will it affect your travel plans?
British Airways yet to identify cause of latest IT meltdown
Delta Airlines Will Start Serving Shake Shack Cheeseburgers Next Month
United Sees Nearly 30% Surge in Travel to European Christmas Markets
Budget airline Israir to launch flights between Israel and NY, ending wartime monopoly by flagship carrier El Al
Asia's airlines blame supply chain woes for disrupted operations
Qantas and Qatar Airways: Planned partnership in the Australian aviation industry under the microscope
Spirit Airlines delays release of Q3 financial results as debt restructuring talks heat up
Delta investigating after plane’s nose mysteriously suffered damage
What Elon Musk's Starlink means for airlines
CAP OFF Major twist in Dublin Airport passenger cap row as High Court pauses decision in victory for airlines next summer season
Riyadh Air plans new jet order decision early next year
Calls for a blanket ban on politicians receiving free flight upgrades
Wizz Air Loses Challenge Against EU-Approved Romanian Aid for TAROM
Southwest, Other Airlines Plan a Shake-Up. Why They Need More to Boost Their Stocks.
One of Boeing's biggest customers leveled fresh criticism over ongoing 737 Max delivery delays
Low-Cost Airlines Innovate with Subscription Models
LA Considers $25 And $30 Minimum Wages For Hotel And Airport Workers
Airlines are on the hook for more than you think if something goes wrong with your trip
WA Labor & Industries plans to create new airline worker protections
Airlines must now give automatic refunds for significant delays. Here's what to know.
American Airlines Technical Operations, Fleet Service, Cargo and Central Load Planning team members ratify new agreement
Icelandair reflects on milestones after eight decades of operation
Policy
Webp 9d8e4n9zvnq6npvse1f7c4oouh5n
Airbus A380 | Airbus

Icelandair, a prominent airline known for its transatlantic flights and services within Iceland and Greenland, marks significant milestones in its extensive history. The company reflects the innovative spirit of the Icelandic nation and has established itself as a key player in international aviation.

The airline's journey began in 1937 with the establishment of Flugfélag Akureyrar, which later moved to Reykjavík and became Flugfélag Íslands. This company eventually adopted the international trade name Icelandair. In parallel, Loftleidir was founded by three young pilots in 1944. The two companies initially focused on domestic routes but expanded internationally soon after.

In 1948, Loftleidir received permission to fly between Iceland and the USA, marking a significant step in its development. "Representatives from the Mayor of New York's office welcomed the crew and the Loftleidir Icelandic directors when the company's first flight arrived in America."

Get the Newsletter
Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News
By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

The first jet acquisition came in 1967 with a Boeing 727-100C, marking another technological advancement for Icelandair. This period saw an expansion into new markets including Greenland and various holiday destinations.

In 1973, a merger was enforced between Loftleidir Icelandic and Icelandair due to economic pressures. This led to operational changes that included charter flights during Islamic pilgrimages to Mecca.

By 1987, Icelandair had restructured its operations significantly. It celebrated half a century since its inception with plans for fleet renewal by purchasing new Boeing jets. A new terminal at Keflavík facilitated changes that increased passenger traffic from both Europe and North America.

Icelandair Group was established as a holding company in October 2005, consolidating ten subsidiaries under one umbrella. The group went public on the Icelandic stock exchange in December 2006.

In recent years, particularly by March 2021, Icelandair integrated operations with Air Iceland Connect to enhance domestic route offerings alongside its international services.

Organizations Included in this History
More News

Heathrow Airport Limited’s (HAL) performance is under scrutiny following recent development proposals, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

Aug 1, 2025

Delta Air Lines has announced plans to add 40 nonstop flights from Boston Logan International Airport to 10 leisure destinations across the United States for Patriots’ Day in April 2025.

Aug 1, 2025

Emirates has expanded its Aircrafted KIDS initiative to the Middle East and North Africa region, starting with the donation of 800 bags to two non-profit organizations in Egypt.

Aug 1, 2025

The Airline Pilots Association (ALPA) has issued a statement on X, urging policymakers to prioritize the ongoing modernization of air traffic control (ATC) systems.

Jul 31, 2025

ITA Airways announced on X that it is extending the suspension of flights to and from Tel Aviv through September 30, including the cancellation of flights AZ809 and AZ815 on October 1.

Jul 31, 2025

Emirates has announced on X its plans to launch daily flights from Dubai to Hangzhou, marking an expansion of its network in China.

Jul 31, 2025