Play, a budget airline formed in the wake of WOW air’s bankruptcy last year, is ready to launch its flight schedule no later than this fall, Vísir reports. “It’s been going really well,” remarked CEO Arnar Már Magnússon. “We’ve used the last few weeks and months for final preparations.”
Many of those involved with Play previously worked at WOW air, and Arnar says that the new airline – which has eschewed WOW’s trademark fuchsia for bright red aircraft – is applying lessons learned at their former company. “We’re building on their experience,” Arnar noted. “We’ve got a lot of people who have a great deal of expertise in airline operations.” Play has also already completed contract negotiations with the unions for both pilots and flight crews.
In the beginning, Play will operate one aircraft, but Arnar says the fleet can be increased as needed. The airline’s flight routes are set but the market still needs to be further examined in order to determine what the inaugural route will be. As of today, the airline has 36 employees and Arnar says the company has been slowly building up staff since last fall. “Thankfully, things have been delayed a little so we’ll be better equipped when air travel begins again in earnest.” Play is still waiting on its operating license, but Arnar says that the company is expecting it soon.
“All the work behind the scenes is done, but there’s so much connected to COVID that there has been something of a delay,” Arnar continued. “But in a good place. We’re working very closely with the Icelandic Transport Authority on these matters. As things stand now, it’s really difficult for us to determine [when we should start flying], just as it is for most [airlines], but we have a number of scenarios regarding when the first flight will be and, in fundamentals, we’re ready for it.”
