History of Play (airline) in Timeline

Play is an Icelandic low-cost airline based in Reykjavík. It operates a fleet of Airbus A320neo family aircraft from its main hub at Keflavík International Airport.

July 2019: Formation of WAB air

In July 2019, Arnar Már Magnússon and Sveinn Ingi Steinþórsson, former Wow Air executives, announced the establishment of WAB air, a new airline. Avianta Capital held a 75% stake, with Neo holding the remainder. The company planned to operate six aircraft to 14 destinations across Europe and the US, targeting one million passengers in its first year. The airline applied for an air operator's certificate (AOC) from the Icelandic Transport Authority.

November 2019: WAB air Rebrands as PLAY

In November 2019, WAB air rebranded as PLAY, and the hiring of operating staff was initiated. The airline announced 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 was also planned to be red.

November 2020: Play Receives Landing Permits

By November 2020, Play had received landing permits for only three airports: Gatwick Airport, London Stansted Airport and Dublin Airport.

April 2021: Play Completes Pre-IPO Private Placement Round

In April 2021, Play completed a pre-IPO private placement round totaling six billion Icelandic króna (US $47 million) managed by Arctica Finance. Birgir Jónsson replaced Arnar Már Magnússon as CEO.

May 2021: Play Registers AOC and Acquires First Aircraft

In May 2021, Play announced the registration of its AOC and the acquisition of its first aircraft, an Airbus A321neo.

June 2021: First Flight and IPO Launch

In June 2021, Play launched its inaugural flight from Keflavík International Airport to London Stansted Airport on June 24. On the same day, Play launched an initial public offering (IPO), seeking to raise at least 3.9–4.3 billion Icelandic króna (US $32 to 35 million), and the IPO concluded on June 25 with an eight-fold oversubscription.

August 2021: Play Applies for US Flights

In August 2021, Play applied to the United States Department of Transportation for operating flights between Keflavík and the US east coast starting in the summer of 2022. The application was subsequently approved.

September 2021: First Fleet Expansion Announced

In September 2021, Play announced its first fleet expansion with orders for three Airbus A320neos and a fourth A321neo, adding to its existing fleet of three A321neos, with the aircraft to be delivered between late 2022 and early 2023.

November 2021: Firm Order Signed for Additional A320neos

In November 2021, Play signed a firm order for two A320neos, initially agreed upon in August 2021, with delivery expected by early 2022.

December 2021: Play Announces US Services

On December 16, 2021, Play announced its first services to the United States with flights to Baltimore and Boston, launching in April and May 2022 respectively.

May 2022: A321LR Delivery Halted

In May 2022, Play decided to halt delivery of its Airbus A321LR and cancel the planned Orlando route due to rising fuel costs. The airline instead replaced the A321LR with an A320neo, thereby planning to operate a fleet of three A320neos and three A321neos for summer 2022.

May 2022: Flights to Baltimore and Boston

Play's flights to Baltimore and Boston start in May 2022.

January 2023: First Destination in Canada Announced

In January 2023, Play announced its first destination in Canada, with flights between Keflavík and John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport in Ontario, launching in June 2023.

June 2023: Flights to Canada Launching

In June 2023, Play launched flights between Keflavík and John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport in Ontario, marking its first destination in Canada.

2023: A321neos Seating Reconfigurations

In early 2023, Play's A321neos began seating reconfigurations to increase their capacity from 192 to 214.

March 2024: First African Destination Announced and CEO Change

In March 2024, Play announced its first African destination with service to Marrakesh Menara Airport, to launch in October 2024. Later that month, Einar Örn Ólafsson succeeded Birgir Jónsson as the airline's CEO.

October 2024: First Asian destination announced

In October 2024, Play announced its first Asian destination with service to Antalya Airport to launch in April 2025. The airline also announced a planned transition in its business model.

March 2025: Maltese AOC Issued

On March 27, 2025, Play's Maltese AOC was issued to its subsidiary, Play Europe. The airline is refocusing its business model to traffic between Iceland and European leisure destinations.

March 2025: Play Fleet Composition

As of March 2025, Play, including Play Europe, operates an all-Airbus A320neo family fleet.

April 2025: Asian Destination Service to Launch

Play plans to launch service to Antalya Airport in April 2025, marking its first Asian destination. The airline is also transitioning its business model.