For the past 11 years, TF-FIU has been the de facto flagship of Icelandair. The 757-200 gained instant worldwide notoriety when it was unveiled in 2014 as one of the most unique and appreciated liveries in the airline industry. Icelandair originally bought the aircraft from Iberia in 2004, and repainted it in the spectacular colors of the Aurora Borealis in 2014 to be used in their #MyStopover marketing campaign.
The past decade has seen spotters all across Icelandair’s network flock to see Hekla Aurora in person, and the airline recognized this as they gradually phase out their 757s in favor of 737MAX and A321neo aircraft. Upon making the decision to retire the aircraft, a few Icelandair employees (led by led by Sveinn þór Sigþórsson) began making efforts to organize a farewell flight for enthusiasts and supporters of the airline. This came to fruition on October 12th at Reykjavik Airport (RKV/BIRK), as over 140 enthusiasts gathered for an aerial tour of Iceland aboard Hekla Aurora.
The short runway of RKV was no challenge for the Rolls-Royce powered 757. Shortly after liftoff into the overcast, the journey began with a northbound turn to survey Snæfellsjokull before bending east toward Akureyri. The northern fjords of the island were the star of the show as Captain Björn Magnús Sverrison and First Officer Goðrun Tómasdottir flew a low approach at Akureyri airport then continued eastbound to circle over Skjálfandafljót, a glacial river that features dramatic relief and waterfalls. Another low approach was flown over Egilsstaðir Airport after some viewing of the eastern fjords. During the cruising portion of the flight westbound back to Reykjavik, passengers were invited up for a rare chance to see the flight deck while underway. The flight concluded with a lovely approach and landing at RKV, once again showing off the stellar short field capabilities of the 757-200.
While it is unfortunate that such a beautiful machine has to be replaced, it was a lovely gesture on the part of Icelandair to invite the fans of Hekla Aurora to bid farewell to her in style. The flight as intended to be her final public appearance, but unscheduled maintenance on the Airbus aircraft replacing her required TF-FIU to operate three more days in the network before being withdrawn from service.