Icelandic budget airline PLAY picks new CEO

In an unexpected move, the Icelandic budget airline PLAY has picked a new CEO in the shape of its biggest shareholder and Chairman Einar Örn Ólafsson.  He is also chairman of the board at Terra hf. Einar was previously the general manager of Fjarðlax, CEO of Skeljungur and before that held various management positions in banking.

Birgir Jónsson, who will continue to work at PLAY until 2nd April said:  "Being involved in building up PLAY airlines has been a real adventure. In a relatively short period of time, we have created a powerful Icelandic low-cost airline with outstanding products, services and a bright future. A competitive landscape in the aviation industry will result in lower fares, a diverse selection of destinations and valuable foreign tourists, which is especially important for an island like us."

Adding: "I’d like to thank our passengers and partners for this particularly enjoyable period. I will say goodbye to my incredible colleagues in person in the next few days."

Einar Örn said: "I am really looking forward to this new role. After a great ramp-up phase these past few years under Birgir’s strong leadership, the Company is now at a turning point. As the Company’s largest shareholder, I’d like to see my investment through."

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