United Kingdom
United States
Asia Pacific
Former WOW executive to launch new budget airline
A former executive of failed Icelandic low-cost airline WOW air is planning to launch a new budget carrier with flights to Europe and the US.
Arnar Mar Magnusson, who was vice president of operations at WOW, says he will start selling tickets for his new airline PLAY later this month.
The airline will, he says, start flying in spring of 2020.
However, the airline doesn’t have any aircraft at the moment and it hasn’t confirmed its route network. Neither does it have an operating certificate.
Speaking at a press conference, Magnusson said PLAY will operate two Airbus A321s from Reykjavik to six European destinations to begin with, adding flights to North America later next year.
It has plans to have six aircraft by next summer, growing to 10 aircraft within three years, which would make it a similar size to WOW air, which collapsed in March.
PLAY claims to have received around $40 million in funding, primarily from overseas investors, one of whom is Simon Whitley-Ryan, the grandson of one of the founders of Ryanair, according to local reports.
Tickets for its flights will go on sale at flyplay.com.
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
Tony from Gatto’s Pizza on Columbus’s Unique Pizza Trail
Sophia Hyder Hock on Global Social Inclusion in Tourism
Sustainable Tourism: Don Welsh on Community Values and Global Collaboration
Jane Cunningham: Enhancing European Engagement in Tourism
Kristin Dunne: Navigating Destination Strategy
Revolutionizing Mobile Connectivity: Boris Bijlstra on HUBBY eSIM
Capturing Glasgow’s Vibrancy: An Interview with Susan Deighan, Chief Executive of Glasgow Life
Lebua Hotel & Resorts: Rajan Khurana on Hospitality and Bangkok’s Charms
Sustainable Tourism and Growth: Insights from Chiravadee Khunsub from Tourism Authority of Thailand
Revolutionizing Travel: SmartSIM USA’s Dale Takio Unveils the Power of E Sims
TravelMole Interview with Hishan Singhawansa, Deputy CEO of Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts, Sri Lanka
Unveiling the Essence of Magari Tours: A Dive into Authentic Italian Experiences
EU airports bring back 100ml liquid rule
CLIA: Anti-cruise demos could cause itinerary changes in Europe
Co-pilot faints, easyJet flight issues ‘red alert’
Dozens fall ill in P&O Cruises ship outbreak
Woman dies after getting ‘entangled’ in baggage carousel