Play reports ‘record-breaking’ July passenger numbers

Icelandic low-cost carrier Play has reported “record-breaking” passenger numbers in July, as it welcomed a sixth aircraft to its fleet.

The airline said it flew 110,000 passengers in July, an increase of 25% on the previous month.

Play attributed the passenger increase to the addition of a “transatlantic hub and spoke model” connecting cities in the UK, Europe and the US.

More: Flight cancellation rate halved in July, according to OAG

The airline launched its transatlantic services in April with flights to Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall airport, followed by a service to Boston which began in May, and a service to New York Stewart International Airport which was launched in June.

July was the first month of full service for the airline with three Airbus A321neo and three Airbus A320neo aircraft operating in 25 destinations.

Four additional aircraft will be delivered in winter, taking the total to 10 by spring 2023.

The airline said its on-time performance in July was 79%, which it described as “satisfactory” given the “difficult situation many airports are facing as they struggle with staff shortages causing delays for many airlines”.

Play chief executive Birgir Jónsson said: “It has been great seeing so many new destinations and the full transatlantic network come into play over the past few weeks and the positive effect it has had on our network.

“It has been truly inspiring for me to take part in and witness the great team spirit and the professionality of all my colleagues across all functions at Play and how all their hard work and dedication are driving the success of our airline.”