Leisure and LifestyleTravel & Tourism

PLAY Airlines Marks Three-Year Milestone with Major Connectivity Enhancements and New Partnerships

Hamilton, ON – PLAY Airlines, the Icelandic low-cost carrier, is celebrating its third anniversary by announcing significant expansions to its network and connectivity options, benefitting travelers from Hamilton and the Greater Toronto Area. The airline, which commenced operations in June 2021, has introduced two major partnerships designed to enhance travel options and convenience for its customers.

Expansion into North America and Beyond

Since its inaugural flight from Keflavík International Airport to London Stansted Airport on June 24, 2021, PLAY Airlines has grown rapidly, focusing on providing affordable and reliable air travel. In 2022, the airline expanded into North America, marking a significant milestone. Ticket sales for flights connecting Toronto and Iceland began on January 10, 2023, and the first flight from John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport took off on June 22, 2023. This move has established vital links between North America and Europe, offering Canadian travelers budget-friendly options for transatlantic flights.

Introducing PLAY Connect Retail Platform

In a bid to further enhance its service offerings, PLAY has expanded its partnership with Dohop, launching the innovative PLAY Connect retail platform. This new platform allows customers to book flight connections in a single transaction, offering access to 600 additional weekly flights and 80 new destinations across Europe. Initial partners include Norwegian, Azores Airlines, and SKY express, with more expected to join soon. This platform bypasses traditional interline and codeshare agreements, significantly expanding PLAY’s network and providing passengers with seamless travel experiences.

Tatiana Shirokova, Head of Distribution at PLAY Airlines, stated, “We are excited to introduce PLAY Connect, which strengthens our offering to more destinations across Europe, reaching new customers and growing incremental revenue while our passengers benefit from more options and reliable connections.”

Strategic Partnership with GO7

In addition to the PLAY Connect platform, PLAY Airlines has entered into a strategic partnership with GO7, a leader in airline technology. This collaboration allows PLAY to broaden its route offerings via its Keflavík hub, making travel more seamless for passengers. Through GO7’s W2 global ticketing network, PLAY Airlines is now available on major Global Distribution Systems (GDSs), simplifying the booking process for both business and leisure travelers.

One of the standout features of this partnership is the complimentary stayover in Iceland available on all transatlantic flights. This allows passengers to explore Iceland en route to their final destination, adding value to their journey. The partnership also enables ticket sales for new destinations, including Cardiff, Madeira, Marrakech, Vilnius, and Split, making PLAY’s affordable fares even more attractive.

“We are delighted to join GO7’s W2 Network,” said Shirokova. “This partnership aligns with our mission to offer travelers a seamless and enjoyable travel experience while maintaining our focus on affordability and convenience.”

Future Prospects and Commitment to Excellence

PLAY Airlines’ growth over the past three years highlights its commitment to providing affordable air travel while continuously expanding and improving its network. The new partnerships with Dohop and GO7 represent significant steps in enhancing the airline’s connectivity and service offerings, reinforcing its motto, “Pay less, PLAY more.”

Sarah Hanan, CCO of Dohop, added, “We are delighted to expand our collaboration with PLAY Airlines to support their growth ambitions. PLAY has built an impressive network within three years, and we look forward to enabling further partnerships, making connected travel simpler and more accessible.”

As PLAY Airlines celebrates this milestone, it remains focused on offering Canadian travelers more options, improved connectivity, and a seamless travel experience. For more information and to book your tickets, visit flyplay.com.

Tiana Squire

Tiana Squire is our Leisure and Lifestyle Writer, dedicated to covering a wide array of topics including restaurants & bars, fashion, travel and tourism, family events and entertainment. With a passion for exploring and sharing the best in leisure experiences, Tiana brings her unique perspective and enthusiasm to each piece she writes. For inquiries or feedback, contact Tiana at tiana.squire@gtaweekly.ca.

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