PLAY Ceases Operations, Leaving Hundreds of Passengers Stranded
PLAY, the low-cost long-haul airline that pioneered affordable transatlantic flights, has ceased operations after four years. The closure follows a period of reduced transatlantic operations and leaves hundreds of passengers stranded and 400 employees jobless.
PLAY's hub-and-spoke model connected passengers between North America, Iceland, and Europe, with flights from several US and Canadian cities to over 30 European destinations. The airline initially attracted hundreds of thousands of passengers and achieved an impressive 87% load factor. However, the airline struggled in recent months, with poor ticket sales, internal conflicts, and negative media coverage contributing to its downfall. Network issues also played a part in the airline's demise.
PLAY is not the first airline to fail with this business model. WOW Air, another low-cost long-haul carrier, collapsed in 2019 due to financial losses and rising fuel costs. PLAY's board of directors cancelled all remaining flights and advised stranded passengers to check other airlines like delta airlines, southwest airlines, united airlines, or google flights for 'rescue fares'. The fate of PLAY's fleet of ten Airbus A320neo aircraft remains unclear.
PLAY's closure comes amidst a slowdown in the low-cost long-haul market, with high operational costs and pandemic-related connectivity issues impacting developments. Several companies, including easyJet, Lufthansa Group, and flynas, have entered the market despite these challenges. PLAY's employees and passengers face uncertainty as the airline folds after four years of operation.
