"Our initial plan is to utilize the LR on shorter European routes for familiarization flights. In the coming months we plan to introduce the LR on North American destinations, initially replacing the 757‘s on routes like for example SEA for summer 2025," said an Icelandair representative.
AeroRoutes also mentioned specific details about Miami flights operating three times weekly. Flight FI 691 will depart Reykjavík–Keflavík at 17:15 and arrive in Miami at 20:55. Return flight FI 690 will leave Miami at 17:15 and reach Reykjavík–Keflavík at 05:55 the following morning.
If confirmed, flying to Miami would mark a first for Icelandair. Previously in Florida, they served Tampa briefly before the pandemic while maintaining year-round service to Orlando.
The A321LR might also fly seasonally from October through January between Reykjavík-Keflavík and Portland International Airport (PDX), according to AeroRoutes.
Additionally, it is rumored that Icelandair will start using this aircraft type on its route to John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) beginning January 5th, followed by Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) on January 6th.
Icelandair received its first Airbus aircraft after nearly nine decades of operation in December last year—an A321LR seating up to 187 passengers—which is part of their fleet modernization efforts replacing Boeing 757s.
Furthermore, by taking delivery of thirteen Airbus A321XLRs starting from 2029 onwards—the airline plans further expansion potentially targeting California and Texas as new markets.
In related developments over recent years—Icelandair flew record numbers during past seasons along with introducing multiple new destinations such as Innsbruck or Lisbon among others—and established codeshare agreements with major carriers including Emirates or TAP Portugal thereby strengthening global connectivity options available through partnerships worldwide too!