Every two years, Icelandair organizes the Midatlantic travel trade show in Reykjavik, where travel vendors associated with the airline can showcase their products to buyers and journalists while networking with each other.

Midatlantic travel show An aisle at the 2023 Midatlantic travel show in Reykjavik.

This event is always successful, providing plenty of resources and story ideas for travel reporters.

Training Simulator Experiencing the full-motion simulator for Icelandair’s 767-300ER.

Attendees also get a chance to experience behind-the-scenes tours at Icelandair’s brand new training facility in Hafnarfjörður, strategically located between the main airport in Keflavik and Reykjavik.

CEO Bogi Nils Bogason Icelandair President and CEO Bogi Nils Bogason speaking at the new headquarters.

The new building features modern architecture and serves as a significant upgrade.

Banking Hard An aircraft banking during a maneuver.

Control Center The simulator’s control center.

The primary focus for many was the opportunity to operate the full-motion simulator. The instructor programmed various landings including one into a tricky Icelandic airfield and JFK in New York. Given the differences in handling, the author reported performing reasonably well compared to flying a Cessna 172 back home.

Boeing 737 MAX An Icelandair Boeing 737 MAX at Keflavik airport.

Updates on the Airbus Transition

The visit included lunch with Icelandair executives, allowing for questions about the company’s future.

A major pivot for Icelandair is the inclusion of Airbus aircraft into its fleet. Historically, the airline had operated only Boeing for international flights (while utilizing Bombardier DHC-8s for domestic and Greenland/Faroe Islands routes). Evaluating the new Airbus planes has reportedly been positive, highlighting fuel efficiency, range, and passenger comfort.

Read our review of the new A321LR here.

First A321LR Icelandair’s first A321LR, TF-IAA, at Stockholm Arlanda Airport post-inaugural flight.

Icelandair still holds a substantial Boeing fleet with 21 737 MAX, 11 757s, and three 767s, alongside two A321LRs, with five more and 13 A321XLRs ordered for future replacement of the 757s.

Decision-making continues regarding long-term commitments between Boeing and a potential full Airbus transition, weighing performance and cost-efficiency factors.

Greenland Tourism

Discussing service expansion to Greenland, which has become increasingly accessible with a new airport meant for larger aircraft, Bogason was cautiously optimistic.

Icelandair operates Greenland routes via what were previously Icelandair Connect services, incorporating this since 2021. Currently, several DHC-8s provide year-round service to four destinations.

Greenland’s Nuuk main airport, which debuted an extended runway and terminal in October 2024, alongside seasonal services from SAS and United, is expected to boost tourism. Icelandair and Air Greenland remain the primary carriers offering continuous service.

“Greenland is unique. Like Iceland, but even more distinct. It’s a complicated market, not just about having the runway, but also the accommodations and infrastructure,” Bogason clarified.

By comparing Greenland’s current status to Iceland’s tourism circumstances over two decades ago, he highlighted the need for a gradual approach to accommodate tourism growth.

Experiencing Iceland

Several stops on the tour included the Sky Lagoon hot spring, a bus tour of the Reykjanes Peninsula, the Friðheimar tomato farm, and Þingvellir national park, showcasing natural wonders.

Greenhouse at Friðheimar A unique greenhouse experience.

In Reykjavik, guests enjoyed a superb meal tailored to individual dietary requirements at Sümac Grill + Drinks, which provided a memorable experience, particularly notable for their respects to food allergies.