Icelandair HEKLA AURORA 757 Returns to MSP After a Multi-Year-Abscence | Landing and Takeoff

Flight #: FI657 and 656
Route: KEF to MSP to KEF
Runway used for landing/takeoff: 12R/17
Aircraft type: Boeing 757-256
Registration #: TF-FIU (Aurora Borealis Livery)
Date of filming: 06-24-24
Location: Cargo Road (Aircraft Viewing Area, SY HQ)
Camera: Sony AX53
Microphone: Sony ECM-B10
Pre-Covid, Icelandair sent the 757-200 and 300 to MSP on a regular basis. Their service ceased during the pandemic. After Covid settled down and Icelandair's service resumed, they switched the MSP turn equipment to the 737 MAX. The 757-300 came in sometimes, with the 200 only subbing in on very rare occasions. The only special livery one MSP saw in any frequency was TF-ISX, the 100 Years of Independence one. Because the 200 seldom came, the odds of seeing Hekla Aurora were slim to none. Finally, on June 24th, 2024, after 3 full years of absence at MSP, TF-FIU returned. It was my most sought after capture since late 2019 when I failed miserably to film it landing on the far side of the airport in awful lighting conditions. This was my first time ever seeing it in daylight, and I've been spotting since 2018... about time.
© Twin Cities Aviator 2024