Icelandair is Ending Boeing 757-300 Flights

One of the few remaining operators of the stretched Boeing 757-300 variant has announced its intention to stop using the type as it moves to a more modern fleet.

The national carrier of Iceland has a widespread network linking North America and Europe via its hub in Keflavik, near Reykjavik.

Over the past 25 years the Boeing 757 has made up the backbone of the airline’s fleet, with its good range and performance capabilities, as well as passenger comfort.

Icelandair and the 757-300

Icelandair first introduced the 757-300 variant in 2002 when TF-FIX arrived from the factory.

This was supplemented in 2018 when TF-ISX arrived having previously been operated by Israeli carrier Arkia.

This small fleet of stretched 757s have often been found on some of the trunk routes in the airline’s network, such as Amsterdam, Copenhagen, London Heathrow, Newark, Seattle and Oslo.

One of the two aircraft, TF-ISX, has worn a special livery depicting the Icelandic flag to mark the nation’s 100^th anniversary.

End of Operations

Now, however, Icelandair has confirmed that the 757-300 will be removed from its schedules at the end of October.

The final scheduled flight is expected to be from London Heathrow to Keflavik on 29^th October 2024.

This comes as the airline prepares to introduce the Airbus A321neo into its fleet from December. This new aircraft type offers the latest in technology, economics and passenger comfort, as well as good range.

Whether the 757-300s will be kept on for charter or backup duties beyond October is not known, as the airline has not formally announced their retirement, only their removal from the schedules.

Which Other Airlines Fly the 757-300?

Condor 757-330 D-ABON in special ‘Wir lieben Fliegen’ livery (Condor)

The Boeing 757-300 was never produced in large numbers, proving to be a niche variant of the popular airliner.

When Icelandair retires its aircraft, it will leave only three other airlines still flying the type. They are:

• Condor
• Delta Air Lines
• United Airlines

Condor is thought to be planning to retire its 757-300s by 2025, as it also introduces more A321neos as replacements.

Did you ever fly on a 757-300? Leave a comment below!