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A former WOW air executive is launching an all-new Icelandic airline, PLAY

Nov. 05, 2019
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2 min read
(Image courtesy Play)
A former WOW air executive is launching an all-new Icelandic airline, PLAY
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Following the collapse of Iceland-based ultra low-cost airline WOW air earlier this year, a former executive of the now defunct airline has announced plans to launch an all-new Icelandic airline called PLAY, with ticket sales to apparently commence later this month, and operations next year. The airline, however, does not at this point have aircraft or the necessary authorizations, and it doesn't have a route network, either.

Arnar Már Magnusson, who was vice president of operations at WOW air, will head up the new venture, as announced at a press conference in Iceland earlier on Tuesday. He plans to commence operations next year, with two Airbus A321 aircraft, from Reykjavik's main Keflavik Airport (KEF) initially to six different European destinations. Later in 2020, PLAY plans to also fly to North America, connecting passengers both to and from the popular but highly seasonal tourist destination of Iceland, as well as between Europe and North America, as Icelandair already does, and WOW air did before it ceased operations. PLAY has plans to grow to 10 aircraft within three years, which was the same fleet size as WOW air.

The new venture does not yet have an operating certificate, so it remains subject to significant regulatory approvals, though this morning they announced they have already received around $40 million in funding, primarily from overseas investors, according to local media. One of those investors is Simon Whitley-Ryan, grandson of one of the founders of Ryanair, Europe's largest low-fare airline.

PLAY's website is already live at flyplay.com.

This new venture is separate from the plans of eccentric U.S. businesswoman Michele Ballarin to relaunch WOW air as a cargo-only airline, which was previously reported by TPG. That airline is currently scheduled to commence flights next month. When and if "WOW 2.0" commenced operations, this will be separate from the PLAY concept.

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  • Solid welcome bonus

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  • Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
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  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
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  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
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