NEW AIRLINE - Play shifts strategy; new Maltese-subsidiary

 Icelandic low-cost carrier has announced a shift of strategy. Coming next year, the airline is set to "significantly" reduce its number of destinations in Northern America and increase its flights to destinations around the Mediterranean. It has also unfold plans to establish a new Maltese-subsidiary with its own Air Operator's Certificate (AOC).

According to Play's CEO the reason to partially withdraw from the transatlantic-market is due to increased competition and a reduction in yields.

Play Malta is expected to receive its AOC just before the start of the summer season of 2025. It will have a fleet of three or four aircraft that will be transferred from the mother company and based at Tenerife. From there, it will connect Southern Europe with Iceland.

Play launched its operations in June 2021. It currently has a fleet that is made-up of six Airbus A320neos and four A321neos.

Photo by Play.