PLAY Airlines appoints Einar Örn Ólafsson as CEO
PLAY airlines, a low-cost airline operating flights between Iceland and Europe, has appointed Einar Örn Ólafsson as its new chief executive officer, succeeding Birgir Jónsson.
Jónsson will continue to work for PLAY airlines until April 2, 2024, and will remain as an advisor for the company for the next few months to ensure a seamless transition.
Ólafsson is one of PLAY airlines’ largest shareholders and has been chairman of the board since April 2021. He has rescinded his candidacy as a board member for the election of a new board at the company’s annual general meeting on March 21, 2024, to assume the role of PLAY’s CEO.
“I am really looking forward to this new role,” said Ólafsson. “After a great ramp-up phase these past few years under Birgir’s strong leadership, the company is now at a turning point.”
“Being involved in building up PLAY airlines has been a real adventure,” added Jónsson. “In a relatively short period of time, we have created a powerful, Icelandic low-cost airline with outstanding products, services and a bright future. A competitive landscape in the aviation industry will result in lower fares, a diverse selection of destinations and valuable foreign tourists, which is especially important for an island like us.”
About Ólafsson
Ólafsson has been involved in the operation of numerous companies, both as an investor, executive and board member. He was previously the CEO of both Fjarðarlax and Skeljungur, and also has extensive experience in capital markets.
Ólafsson graduated with an MBA degree from New York University’s Stern School of Business in 2003 and holds a B.Sc. degree in industrial engineering from the University of Iceland.
Daily flights from Canada
In Canada, PLAY operates daily flights and seasonal services to more than 30 European destinations from John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport.
PLAY’s pay-for-what-you-need model keeps its fares affordable. A personal item is included for the flight, and passengers can choose which upgrades they need for their trip, such as an in-flight meal, carry-on, checked bag, special bags for items such as golf sets, skis, strollers, and musical instruments, seats with extra legroom, cancellation protection and more.
More international flights are coming
On February 12, 2024, PLAY launched ticket sales for flights to Vilnius in Lithuania via Iceland, and on March 4, 2024, ticket sales were launched for flights to Madeira in Portugal and Marrakech in Morocco via Iceland, extending its network and offering travellers even more opportunities to explore.
The first flight from Vilnius will be on May 25, for Madeira will be on October 15 and for Marrakech will be on October 17. PLAY will operate weekly flights on Saturdays over the summer months for Vilnius, weekly flights on Tuesdays for Madeira, and flights up to twice a week on Thursdays and Sundays for Marrakech.
These new routes allow passengers to take advantage of PLAY airlines’ stopover program introduced on January 29, 2024. Canadian passengers can prolong their layover into a multi-day stopover for up to 10 days at no additional cost and enjoy the breathtaking landscapes and vibrant culture of Iceland before continuing their journey to their preferred European destination.
For more information, visit www.flyplay.com.
