LONDON – On August 23, the Icelandic budget carrier, PLAY airlines, announced its fourth destination in the U.S. as Washington DC, as its gradual expansion continues.
Washington D.C.
As PLAY gradually continues to expand its network strategically, they have announced their fourth U.S. destination. This time, PLAY is heading to the state of Washington DC, namely Dulles International Airport (IAD).
Launching from April 26, 2023, Washington D.C. joins PLAY’s three other U.S. destinations, Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) in the state of Maryland, Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) in the state of Massachusetts and the state of New York’s Stewart International Airport (SWF).
Ticket sales for PLAY’s newest destination to their entire network 23 different destinations have commenced from August 23, where passengers from both Dublin, Ireland and London Stansted, United Kingdom can connect to Washington Dulles.
It’s also unsurprising that PLAY has added Washington Dulles to its network, considering it is the fourth largest U.S. to Iceland market.
Not only this, but PLAY’s U.S. destinations have played a huge part in the carriers performance as the three current destinations alone increased the carriers load factor by 25% in July for a total of 109,956 total passengers flown.
PLAY currently has a small all-Airbus fleet of six aircraft, three Airbus A320neo’s and three Airbus A321neo’s, of which will be mixed on the new Dulles route dependant on passenger loads. PLAY will also be receiving a further four aircraft, three more Airbus A320neo’s and one more Airbus A321neo to bring their fleet to a total of 10 aircraft by spring 2023.
PLAY’s Airbus A320neo’s have a mixed seating configuration with two of them having 174 all-economy seats and one having 180 all-economy seats. Their Airbus A321neo’s all have an all-economy configuration of 192 seats.
PLAY airlines executive statement
Commenting on their newest route announcement, PLAY’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Birgir Jónsson, has said, “We pride ourselves on routes that allow travellers to pay less and play more while in destination.”
“From Autumn 2022, Dulles International Airport will be connected to Washington, D.C., via the Silver Line of the Washington Metro, which will allow passengers to reach D.C. within 50 minutes for just $6.00, leaving more money to spend in the city’s great museums, restaurants, and galleries.”
“Dulles International is perfect for British and Irish travellers after a budget getaway to the capital, as well as the growing population of Loudoun County, many of whom have family and friends in Europe.”
Adding to Jónsson’s comments, Paul Bobson the Vice President for Airline Business Development for the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority, says, “As the international gateway to the Washington, D.C. capital region, Dulles International is committed to offering a wide variety of airline products for our local community to access global travel.”
“As a low-cost airline operating flights to Iceland and the rest of Europe, PLAY will add significant capacity in the low-cost international market segment.”
Overall
PLAY is definitely underway on its journey with budget international travel, with the gradual expansion of both their network and fleet, they are certainly strategically placing themselves to ensure the best possible financial outcome as well as highlighting their brand as one of the leaders in Icelandic aviation.
