AIRLINE REVIEW
15 Seattle is home to Alaska Airlines and , on our way to the gate , we were able to admire some of its facilities .
16 The Saga Lounge entrance features Iceland ’ s flag and some models . The area is equipped with multiple bars , a large buffet and shower cabins .
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“ The LR can serve all destinations in our network , and it is a perfect successor of the Boeing 757 , in terms of range as well as the number of seats ,” Bogason said . “ We will start with short European routes for training purposes , for example London , Copenhagen , Oslo , and Stockholm , but , in 2025 , we plan to operate the LR ’ s networkwide — flying , for example , to Seattle , where we are the first international carrier to have three daily departures this summer .”
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While I did not miss any comfort , the 2-2 cabin does provide a few disadvantages and is often associated with Premium Economy products . The lack of direct aisle access , along with the lack of a lie-flat bed , can be a dealbreaker for some customers on long flights . Icelandair ’ s CEO confirmed that the new Saga Premium cabin will still be configured in a 2-2 layout .
“ We have put a lot of work in designing the cabin experience with Airbus ,” Bogason said . “ Our focus has been on the standards we are known for , but we still have some new features and technologies that we will introduce in the coming months . For example , larger IFE displays , both in Saga Premium and Economy .”
As we approached Seattle , I could appreciate the beautiful views over Boeing ’ s Everett factory . I reflected upon Icelandair ’ s fleet shift and the lack of a clear 757 heir from Boeing .
As of July 2024 , before the Farnborough Airshow , the Airbus A321XLR had accrued almost 500 orders . The flight to Seattle is one of the longest in Icelandair ’ s
32 AIRWAYS MAGAZINE NOVEMBER 2024 www . airwaysmag . com