December 12, 2024
Rising Star: PLAY Airlines Celebrates Three-Year Anniversary  

Rising Star: PLAY Airlines Celebrates Three-Year Anniversary  

PLAY soars into its third year, commemorating its inaugural flight from Keflavík International Airport to London Stansted on June 24, 2021.

PLAY airlines soars into its third year, commemorating its inaugural flight from Keflavík International Airport to London Stansted on June 24, 2021.

Since then, PLAY has championed affordable and dependable travel, connecting Iceland with Europe and venturing into North America in 2022.

Ticket sales to Toronto began in January 2023, and the first flight from John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport took off in June 2023, forging vital links between North America and Europe via Iceland.

PLAY’s commitment to expanding its network and enhancing connectivity is further solidified by their recent partnerships with Dohop and GO7.

This growth embodies PLAY’s spirit of “Pay Less, Play More,” providing more destinations and a more enjoyable travel experience for Canadian passengers through convenient and budget-friendly options.

PLAY Connect

PLAY has expanded its partnership with Dohop, launching the innovative PLAY Connect retail platform.

This platform allows customers to book combined flight connections in a single transaction, unlocking an additional 600 weekly flights and 80 new destinations across Europe.

Initially, PLAY Connect includes launch partners like Norwegian, Azores Airlines, and SKY express, with more partners anticipated soon.

This platform frees PLAY from traditional interline and codeshare agreements, significantly expanding its network.

A PLAY Airlines Airbus taxis after landing.
Photo Credit: PLAY Airlines

Bookings through PLAY Connect are covered by Dohop’s acclaimed passenger connection service, ensuring assistance in case of delays or cancellations that impact onward journeys.

This collaboration strengthens PLAY’s reach and enhances its ability to offer customers a smooth and comprehensive travel experience.

Tatiana Shirokova, Head of Distribution at PLAY airlines offered her thoughts. “We are thrilled to introduce PLAY Connect, strengthening our offerings to more destinations across Europe.”

“This allows us to reach new customers, grow revenue, and provide passengers with more options and reliable connections.”

Sarah Hanan, CCO of Dohop, added further comment. “We are delighted to expand our collaboration with PLAY airlines and support their growth ambitions.”

“PLAY has built an impressive network within three short years. We look forward to enabling further partnerships, making connected travel simpler and more accessible.”

A PLAY A320neo parked at the terminal.
Photo Credit: CNW Group/PLAY

Strategic Partnership with GO7

In another significant move, PLAY airlines has partnered with GO7, a global airline technology leader. This collaboration allows PLAY to broaden its route offerings through its Keflavík International Airport (KEF) hub, enhancing passenger convenience.

Through GO7’s W2 global ticketing network, PLAY airlines is now available for purchase on Global Distribution Systems (GDSs), simplifying booking for business and leisure travelers alike.

Passengers can now enjoy a complimentary stopover in Iceland on all transatlantic flights, allowing them to explore two countries in one trip.

This partnership introduces ticket sales for new destinations like Cardiff, Madeira, Marrakech, Vilnius, and Split, all accessible via Iceland.

PLAY’s attractive fares are available on all major GDS platforms. it includes a cabin bag and one checked bag (up to 23kg). This comes under GO7’s W1 marketing carrier code and W2 ticketing designator code.

“As part of our commitment to providing affordable and accessible air travel options, we are delighted to join GO7’s W2 Network,” said Shirokova.

“This partnership aligns with our mission to offer a seamless and enjoyable travel experience while maintaining our focus on affordability and convenience.”

Peer Winter, Chief Distribution Officer at GO7, stated, “We are thrilled to welcome PLAY airlines to our W2 Network. Our collaboration represents a shared commitment to providing travelers with unparalleled convenience by air travel.”

“By integrating PLAY airlines’ route network into our platform, we aim to enhance the overall travel experience for passengers and facilitate seamless global connectivity across key destinations.”

Overhead view of a PLAY Airbus in flight.
Photo Credit: PLAY

About PLAY Airlines

PLAY, a low-cost airline, operates flights between Iceland and Europe, with North America added in 2022.

Founded in Reykjavík in 2019 by an experienced aviation management team, the company utilizes new Airbus A321neo and A320neo aircraft. The carrier offers a streamlined, no-frills service that allows travelers to “pay less and play more.”

Safety remains PLAY’s top priority. On-time performance, simplicity, happiness, and low prices are the airline’s core principles.

PLAY strives to enable passengers to explore the world while minimizing their environmental impact. The airline actively implements sustainability initiatives to track and reduce fuel consumption, offset carbon emissions, and limit waste.


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