- First flight departed from London Stansted to New York Stewart International Airport on 10 June 2022
- Stewart airport saves travellers 60 minutes in travel time to Manhattan compared to JFK*
- Flights go via Reykjavik, allowing passengers to extend their trip in Iceland, or fly straight on to the US with a 1-hour 35minute stop over
- 88.9% of flights departed on time in May 2022
Summer in New York just became much for affordable for Brits, as Iceland’s low-cost airline, PLAY, took off for the first time today (10 June 2022) to New York’s most cost-effective airport, Stewart Airport.
The airline’s new route between London Stansted and New York Stewart International Airport (SWF) via Reykjavik, took off at 11:47 with a total of 160 passengers on board.
Tickets can be purchased at www.flyplay.com, from as little as £159 one way (standard fare).
Though May saw mass disruption and delays across European airports, PLAY is also pleased to share that on-time performance in May was 88.9%, which is a strong performance for an airline that has recently become a hub and spoke model.
Birgir Jónsson, PLAY CEO: “Almost one year after our very first flight took off from London Stansted to Reykjavik, we’re over the moon to have launched our third US destination from the UK. PLAY’s ticket sales sky-rocketed 338% in May 2022 when compared to January 2022, following the launch of our first flights to Baltimore/Washington and Boston, and the huge appetite for travel we’re experiencing across Europe.”
“We know Brits are looking for a bargain when it comes to summer breaks this year, and the low fares and flexibility that passengers experience at Stewart International Airport are exactly what passengers seek when they book their travel with PLAY; we’re confident that Brits will snap up this deal.”
Though Stewart airport is further away from Manhattan than JFK and Newark, it takes passengers approximately an hour less to get there thanks to the time saved getting through airport customs, compared to the much lengthier processes at JFK and Newark. In addition, faster transport routes by taxi, bus, and train, including Metro North, Amtrak, or Newburgh-Beacon-Stewart Link, mean travelling from Stewart is faster and more convenient.
Stewart also gives passengers the chance to save money, with Coach USA operating rides to Manhattan, which are timed to coincide with the arrival and departure of PLAY’s flights, costing just $20, compared to $52 travelling via taxi from JFK.
Serving New York City, the growing Hudson Valley area, New Jersey, and Connecticut, New York Stewart airport is popular among families, with proximity to top attractions including Legoland NY Resort, Woodbury Commons.
Now, with three airports in the U.S., (Baltimore/Washington, and Boston Logan) PLAY is prepared to support a travel comeback in 2022, enabling travelers to enjoy spring and summer trips in the States. As travelers’ habits change from long-term planning to spontaneous last-minute bookings, passengers will choose PLAY for affordable, reliable, and the flexibility offered when booking their flights.
Learn more about PLAY or book a flight at www.flyplay.com. See media assets here.
-Ends-
Notes to Editors:
- *an approximate time saving
- Birgir Jónsson, CEO of PLAY, is available for interview or comment upon request.
For further press information, please contact:
Arabella Halfhide | Hannah Carlisle | Chloe Hernandez
Rooster PR
T: +44 (0)7376 418927
E: [email protected]
About PLAY
PLAY is a low-cost airline operating flights between Iceland and Europe, and North America as of 2022. Founded in Reykjavík in 2019 by a management team with significant experience in the aviation industry, the company operates flights on new Airbus A321NEO and A320NEO aircraft, offering streamlined, no-frills service that allows travelers to pay less and “play more.” Safety comes first for PLAY. On-time performance, simplicity, happiness and low prices are the airline’s core principles.
The airline seeks to enable passengers to see the world, but not without considering its environmental impact. PLAY is being developed with sustainability initiatives and benchmarks in place to track and reduce fuel consumption, offset carbon emissions, and limit waste.
Learn more or book a flight at www.flyplay.com.
