newstodate.aero

Nov 05, 2021 (newstodate): The new Icelandic LCC Play reports a strong growth in load factor in October, reflecting recovering demand both to and from Iceland.
   A part of the airline's plans, PLAY will set up a new office in Vilnius, Lithuania, from December 2021, to host various support and technical functions.  
   A local General Manager has already been hired, and a recruitment drive for other roles begins soon. PLAY expects to reach about 15-20 employees in Vilnius within a few months.
   HQs will however remain at Iceland, including all cockpit and cabin crew, and the service center catering to the  Icelandic market will also stay in Iceland.
   Moving some of PLAY's administrative functions to  Lithuania will ensure access to a larger talent pool of specialists in IT services, digital development, marketing, finance, and customer service including a 24/7 service center that does not need to be based only in Iceland as most of the customers are non-Icelandic speakers.  
   The new office also allows PLAY to develop a more international company culture and create relationships with new suppliers, service providers, and other partners at cost-effective and favorable terms.
   -The opening of the Vilnius office is a significant step to securing a low-cost foundation as the company enters the transatlantic market and prepares for future growth, the company says in a release.  
   PLAY has received initial approval from the US DOT for launching flights to the United States, and if no objections are filed, PLAY should receive its final approval before the end of this year, allowing the carrier to proceed with preparations for start of services to the US East coast in H1/2022.