Play (airline)

In July 2019, two former WOW air executives, Arnar Már Magnússon and Sveinn Ingi Steinþórsson, announced the formation of a new airline, tentatively named WAB air ("We Are Back"). Avianta Capital, an Irish investment fund owned by Aislinn Whittley-Ryan (daughter of Michael Kell Ryan, one of the founders of Ryanair) held a 75% stake; the remainder was held by Neo, a company founded by Magnússon and Steinþórsson. The company aimed to operate six aircraft to 14 destinations across Europe and the US, with a target of one million passengers in the first year.[2] The new company applied for an air operator's certificate from the Icelandic Transport Authority.[3]

In November 2019, WAB air rebranded as Play, and the hiring of operating staff was initiated. The airline announced that it would lease Airbus A321s configured with 200 passenger seats, and would start flights with two aircraft to six European destinations in the winter of 2019–2020. The airline's livery will be red, chosen to symbolize "the passion accompanying this color," said Magnússon.[1][4]

In late 2019, Play planned to initially serve six destinations in Europe: Alicante, Tenerife, London, Paris, Copenhagen and Berlin.[5] There were plans to introduce flights to four North American destinations in the spring of 2020.[4]

Play planned to start operations with two Airbus A321 aircraft[4] configured for 200 passenger seats and add four more aircraft by the summer of 2020. The airline hopes to expand its fleet to 10 in the future.[1]

• Official website