“I am very happy with the situation here and the reception we have received from air traffic control, other airport staff members and all those who have assisted us,” says Randall Lee Neville, a Boeing test pilot visiting Iceland with the new Boeing 787 Dreamliner. Read the full story

The new Dreamliner, also known as the Boeing 787, is currently stationed at Iceland’s Keflavik International Airport for testing in side winds. This is only the second time the brand new aircraft has left the USA. Read the full story

Just seven months after it opened its hatch for business, the world’s first hostel built within an abandoned jumbo jet has been put up for sale. The novel lodging, which is parked on a hill outside of Stockholm’s Arlanda Airport, was a headline stealer when it first opened, but it seems it was an ill-timed move. Read the full story

For the first time ever, direct flights between Iceland’s international airport Keflavik and Seattle-Tacoma in the United States began yesterday by Iceland’s national flag carrier airline, Icelandair. The flight lasted about 7 to 8 hours in a Boeing 757-200 (TF-FIA). When the aircraft was departing to Seattle from Keflavik, the inbound flights from Mainland Europe flew around in a circle over Reykjavik and the capital area before touching down in Keflavik. The old DC-3, otherwise known as Pall Sveinsson, also joined them. Read the full story

Icelandic low-fares carrier Iceland Express signed an agreement this week in Reykjavik which will see the introduction of two Boeing 737-700 aircraft in September.

The airline says the new Boeing planes are more environmentally friendly, economical and reliable than the MD90 aircraft currently in use. The 737 aircraft are expected to use up to 40% less fuel per hour, greatly reducing the company’s operating costs and carbon footprint.

In future all planes flying for Iceland Express will be either Boeing 737 or 757s, a development which will improve staff training and aircraft maintenance the airline says. The Boeing 737 is one of the most sold passenger jets in the world, with over 6,000 aircraft having been produced.

Astraeus Airlines, Iceland Express’ associate company, will own and operate the new Boeing 737 aircraft which will replace the current stock of MD90s.

Signing the agreement were Shaun Monney, CEO of Astraeus Airlines, Matthias Imsland, CEO of Iceland Express and Mark Norris, sales director for Boeing in Europe, who came to Iceland especially for the event.

Iceland Express is Iceland’s only budget airline and connects Iceland with 14 European airports including London, Berlin and Copenhagen.

For more information on the Icelandic budget airline, visit www.icelandexpress.com