From Tail Strike to Sky High: AVIACTION Subsidiaries Collaborate to Keep Icelandair Aircraft Flying in ‘Around theWorld Tour’ for a leading luxury travel agency.

Sometimes challenges arise, putting even the most carefully planned journeys on hold. This was the case for the “Around the World Tour” aboard B757 aircraft registered as TF-LLL, from Loftleidir-Icelandic a member of Icelandair Group, when a tail strike forced an unscheduled pause. In response to this setback, Icelandair promptly dispatched a Boeing 767-300ER to take over the global journey.
TF-LLL was “customized to accommodate around 80 pax VIP-style leather seating.” according to the luxury travel agency.

Following the incident, TF-LLL was taken to Madrid for required structural repairs. LoftleidirIcelandic identified the need for the VIP seats and certain interior elements from TF-LLL, to be transferred to another B757 in Iceland, designated to continue the “Around the World Tour” flights. In this critical point, AVIACTION companies, namely AIRE and SERVITEC, demonstrated exceptional efficiency to expedite the activities to make it happen.

TF-LLL landed in Madrid right after the new year where, despite the festive season, AIRE and SERVITEC operations continued without interruption. Thanks to the collaborative effort and keeping the entire project under AVIACTION roof, AIRE and SERVITEC found a solution in just one week. This challenging project required the removal of seats and closets, almost emptying the overall cabin, in a record time of two days.

Taking the lead, AIRE’s specialized team of technicians skilfully removed all seats and closets from the B757. These components were then transported to AIRE’s warehouse in Madrid, where they underwent rigorous inspection/checks in accordance with seats CMMs to issue relevant EASA Form 1 for prompt re-installation in Iceland on selected aircraft. To finalize the entire project, AIRE logistics team packed in record time all the components for smooth shipment to Iceland. In the meantime, since the aircraft landed in MAD, SERVITEC has been responsible for aircraft airworthiness along the activities, signing relevant WOs for cabin emptying and aircraft CRS before the aircraft was taken to the hangar for relevant repairs.

Through proactive measures, swift responsiveness, and a cohesive team effort, AVIACTION successfully addressed the unexpected challenge, turning it into a seamlessly executed project. The incident, initially posing a threat to the “Around the World Tour,” ultimately showcased AVIACTION’s resilience and expertise, ensuring the expedition continued its journey.