Iceland’s newest low-cost airline PLAY has officially acquired an air operator’s certificate from the Icelandic civil aviation regulator, Icelandic Transport Authority (ICETRA).
The airline, founded in 2019, has said it is now set to begin operations in June this year, with its first Airbus A321neo leased from AerCap due to be delivered in early June. Two additional A321 aircraft are expected to be delivered in July.
Initially, the airline intends to operate direct low-cost services between Reykjavik-Keflavik Airport and London Stansted, before expanding its offerings to Copenhagen, Berlin, Paris, Amsterdam, Barcelona, Alicante and Tenerife.
Since PLAY was founded, the company has aimed to provide a low-cost alternative for consumers travelling to and from Iceland, as well as across the Atlantic, and to become a key player in the Icelandic tourism sector.
Birgir Jónsson, CEO of PLAY, welcomed the announcement, and noted that PLAY’s executives and board of directors are very grateful for the enormous work of the loyal and motivated staff of PLAY who have supported the effort from the beginning under highly unusual circumstances.
“We have the best people who have shown tremendous strength over a period of almost two years. It is a long time that we have used well to prepare the low-cost airline for a turnaround in tourism in Iceland,” Jónsson said.
“To future clients of PLAY, I want to say this; we look forward to welcoming you onboard our modern and efficient aircraft. We will offer highly competitive prices on effortless and safe flights, making us an affordable option and a real competitor on the market.”
Arnar Már Magnússon, COO, stated that the co-operation with the ICETRA and authorities went very well.
“We enjoyed excellent co-operation with the authorities, especially the Icelandic Transport Authority. It was an important milestone when we secured the support of AerCap and Airbus as they know the industry inside out and their support carries a lot of weight,” he said.
Additional reporting by Airlinerwatch.
