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Icelandair transitions Keflavik-Seattle route entirely to Airbus A321LR

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Icelandair transitions Keflavik-Seattle route entirely to Airbus A321LR
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Icelandair Airbus A321LR | Icelandair Website

Icelandair has made a significant shift in its operations by temporarily halting the use of Boeing aircraft on the Keflavik to Seattle route. The airline's last Boeing 757-200 departed from Iceland on June 3, and as of June 4, all flights for this route are being operated using the newer Airbus A321LR. The return of the 757 is scheduled for December 18.

The transition to the Airbus A321LR marks a change in equipment used for this transatlantic journey. Previously, Icelandair had deployed various aircraft including the Boeing 737 MAX 8 and its only widebody type, the Boeing 767-300ER. However, with the introduction of three daily flights using the A321LR during peak season until September 14, Seattle's airport now exclusively sees this aircraft type from Icelandair.

According to ch-aviation data, Icelandair's fleet comprises 49 aircraft, including four A321LRs. The airline anticipates receiving A321XLRs starting in 2029 to replace older models like the 757s and 767s.

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Flightradar24 reported that Seattle first welcomed Icelandair's A321LR on May 20 when it replaced a larger capacity Boeing model. Despite covering a distance of over 3,000 nautical miles each way with up to eight hours of block time to reach the US West Coast, economy class does not offer inclusive meals.

The new summer schedule includes three daily flights from Keflavik to Seattle and back:

- FI685: Departs at 10:30 AM arriving at Seattle at 11:25 AM

- FI680: Leaves Seattle at 3:45 PM reaching Keflavik by next day morning

- FI681: Takes off at Keflavik at 4:50 PM landing in Seattle at 5:50 PM

- FI682: Departs from Seattle at 7:00 PM arriving in Keflavik next day morning

- FI683 & FI684 follow similar schedules

Increased flight frequency during summer means that overnight stays in Seattle are no longer necessary for connecting European routes. This adjustment helps reduce costs while maximizing aircraft usage.

Data from March 2024 to February 2025 shows that Icelandair transported nearly 199,000 passengers round-trip between Keflavik and Seattle, making it their second most popular US route after Boston. Approximately half of these passengers connected through Keflavik onto other destinations such as Copenhagen and London Heathrow.

Icelandair plans further deployment of its A321LR on other long-haul routes throughout the year including new services to Portland starting October and Miami later that month.

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