There has been a surprising change in management at the Icelandic low-cost airline Play, as the previous boss Birgir Jónsson has left the company. According to the announcement, he signed a termination agreement on March 17, 2024.

The leadership of the low-cost airline is now in the hands of Einar Örn Ólafsson, who is also the airline's largest individual shareholder. He was previously a member of the board of directors, but withdrew his candidacy for re-election to take over the position of CEO of Play Airlines.

Örn Ólafsson said: “I’m really looking forward to this new task. After a great building phase over the last few years under Birgir's strong leadership, the company is now at a turning point. As the company's largest shareholder, I would like to see my investment through to completion. I am very familiar with Play's operations and employees and see numerous opportunities and exciting projects for the future. I am grateful to the Play Board of Directors for their trust in me and would like to take the opportunity to thank Birgir for his contribution to Play and for our pleasant and productive collaboration over the last few years.”

His predecessor Jónsson said on the occasion of his departure: “A competitive landscape in the aviation industry will lead to lower airfares, a diverse choice of destinations and valuable foreign tourists, which is particularly important for an island like us. This competition is in the interest of all Icelanders. That's why I'm leaving my office with great pride. Play has now left its nursery and has grown into a mature airline. I had a good and close working relationship with Einar and leave the company in his capable hands. I look forward to watching Play thrive under his leadership. I would like to thank our passengers and partners for this particularly pleasant time.”

The replaced company boss will work for Play until April 2, 2024 and will then be available as a consultant. This is to ensure an orderly handover to the new managing director. At least according to the statements, the change in leadership was said to have been amicable.