New Liverpool link opens up Iceland and North American destinations

Everton fans with Nathan Patterson third from left

The newest airline to operate from Liverpool John Lennon Airport, opening up links to North America, was welcomed today (October 7).

Icelandic low-cost carrier PLAY flew into Liverpool from Reykjavik and was welcomed with a traditional ‘baptism’ by the airport’s fire and rescue service as the aircraft taxied towards the terminal building.

PLAY is operating a direct link between Liverpool and Reykjavik for the first time, which also offers passengers seamless connections onto USA destinations, including Washington, Boston and New York.

Flights operate on Mondays and Fridays using the carrier’s fleet of new 180-seat Airbus A320neos, one of the world’s most environmentally-friendly aircraft which delivers 20% fuel savings and CO2 reductions compared with previous Airbus aircraft.

On board today’s flight to Liverpool were a group of Icelandic Everton fans, taking advantage of the first direct flight ahead of this weekend’s Everton match with Manchester United. As a special surprise, Everton FC player, Nathan Patterson, was on hand to welcome the fans to Liverpool as they disembarked the aircraft.

Paul Winfield, director of aviation development for Liverpool John Lennon Airport, said: “We’re delighted to welcome PLAY to Liverpool and to add Reykjavik as the latest destination to the airport’s expanding route network.

“As well as offering the region’s travellers an excellent low cost airline product to Iceland and on to New York, Washington and Boston, this will also be another important link for the region’s visitor economy, too, making it easy for Icelanders and Americans wanting to visit the Liverpool City Region, the North West and North Wales to fly to Liverpool.”

He added: “As an example, we’ve already seen a group of Icelandic Everton fans on the inaugural flight this morning, taking advantage of the first direct flights from Reykjavik to Liverpool and visit the city ahead of Everton’s game on Sunday.”

Birgir Jónsson, CEO for PLAY, said “PLAY’s passenger numbers reached a staggering 182,000 in quarter two of this year, with August continuing the success with 108,000 passengers carried in the month alone.

“Iceland’s extraordinary scenery, rich wildlife and bustling beer scene makes for an epic weekend away and we can’t wait for those in the North West region of the UK to come and experience it. We hope that football-mad Icelanders will be welcomed much the same as they travel to Liverpool in search of the famed atmosphere of Anfield and Goodison Park.”

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