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Icelandair plans to phase out its last Boeing 767s in the coming years. However, the airline has changed its plans for a replacement aircraft type.
The airline currently operates five 767-300s, three of which are in passenger configuration and two used as freighters. Icelandair has been seeking a replacement for these aircraft for some time. For a while, it was unclear which type would take over, although the Icelandic company appeared interested in the Boeing 787 and Airbus A330neo. Those plans have now been scrapped. The company is no longer considering widebody aircraft, meaning those with two aisles.
In the presentation of its Q1 2025 financial results, it is stated that “new narrowbody aircraft will replace the widebody fleet no later than 2030.” According to Icelandair, the decision to move away from large aircraft better aligns with its strategy: focusing on fuel-efficient narrowbodies to operate transatlantic routes between Europe and North America from Iceland. With this approach, the airline claims it can serve routes that are less viable for other carriers operating similar aircraft.
Fleet
For a long time, Icelandair operated exclusively with Boeing aircraft. In addition to the 767s, the airline flew Boeing 757-200s and -300s, as well as 737 MAX 8s and MAX 9s. Recently, the Airbus A321neo was also introduced. This step was taken after Boeing was unable to offer a direct replacement for the 757. Icelandair’s 757 fleet is being replaced by both the A321LR and A321XLR, both part of the neo series.