31 Facts About Wow Air

The Rise of Wow Air

Wow Air, an Icelandic low-cost carrier, made waves in the aviation industry with its budget-friendly transatlantic flights. Let's dive into some fascinating facts about this airline that captured the attention of travelers worldwide.

1. Founded in 2011: Wow Air was established by Icelandic entrepreneur Skúli Mogensen. His vision was to create a low-cost airline that could connect Europe and North America through Iceland.

2. First Flight in 2012: The airline's inaugural flight took off on May 31, 2012, from Reykjavik to Paris. This marked the beginning of its journey in the competitive aviation market.

3. Bright Purple Planes: Wow Air's aircraft were easily recognizable due to their vibrant purple livery. This bold color choice helped the airline stand out on the tarmac.

4. Low-Cost Model: The airline operated on a low-cost model, offering basic services at affordable prices. Passengers could pay extra for additional amenities like checked baggage and in-flight meals.

5. Transatlantic Flights: Wow Air gained popularity for its budget-friendly transatlantic flights, connecting cities like New York, Boston, and Los Angeles to various European destinations.

Expansion and Growth

Wow Air's rapid expansion and growth were impressive, but it also came with challenges. Here are some key points about its journey.

6. Fleet Expansion: By 2018, Wow Air had expanded its fleet to include 20 aircraft, primarily consisting of Airbus A320s and A321s.

7. New Destinations: The airline continuously added new destinations to its route network, including cities in Canada, the United States, and Europe.

8. Partnership with Icelandair: In 2012, Wow Air briefly partnered with Icelandair, allowing passengers to book flights on both airlines through a single ticket.

9. Hub in Reykjavik: Keflavik International Airport in Reykjavik served as Wow Air's primary hub, facilitating easy connections between Europe and North America.

10. Affordable Stopovers: The airline promoted Iceland as a stopover destination, encouraging passengers to explore the country for up to seven days at no additional airfare.

Challenges and Setbacks

Despite its initial success, Wow Air faced numerous challenges that eventually led to its downfall. Here are some of the hurdles it encountered.

11. Financial Struggles: The airline faced financial difficulties due to rising fuel costs, increased competition, and operational inefficiencies.

12. High Debt: Wow Air accumulated significant debt, which strained its financial stability and made it difficult to sustain operations.

13. Cancelled Routes: In an attempt to cut costs, the airline had to cancel several routes, which disappointed many passengers and affected its reputation.

14. Failed Acquisition: Icelandair attempted to acquire Wow Air in 2018, but the deal fell through, leaving Wow Air to fend for itself.

15. Operational Issues: Passengers frequently reported delays, cancellations, and poor customer service, further tarnishing the airline's image.

The End of Wow Air

The final chapter of Wow Air's story is marked by its sudden collapse, leaving many passengers stranded and employees jobless.

16. Ceased Operations in 2019: On March 28, 2019, Wow Air abruptly ceased operations, canceling all flights and leaving passengers scrambling for alternatives.

17. Stranded Passengers: Thousands of passengers were left stranded at airports around the world, leading to widespread frustration and confusion.

18. Employee Layoffs: The airline's collapse resulted in the immediate layoff of over 1,000 employees, many of whom were left without severance pay.

19. Refunds and Compensation: Passengers struggled to obtain refunds and compensation for their canceled flights, leading to numerous complaints and legal battles.

20. Impact on Iceland's Economy: The airline's collapse had a significant impact on Iceland's economy, particularly its tourism industry, which relied heavily on Wow Air's services.

Legacy and Lessons Learned

Despite its short-lived existence, Wow Air left a lasting impact on the aviation industry and provided valuable lessons for future airlines.

21. Innovative Marketing: Wow Air's marketing campaigns, including quirky advertisements and social media engagement, helped build a strong brand identity.

22. Budget Travel Popularity: The airline's success demonstrated the growing demand for budget travel options, particularly for long-haul flights.

23. Importance of Financial Management: Wow Air's financial struggles highlighted the importance of effective financial management and sustainable growth strategies.

24. Customer Service Matters: The airline's operational issues underscored the importance of providing reliable customer service to maintain passenger loyalty.

25. Environmental Impact: Wow Air's low-cost model encouraged more people to fly, raising awareness about the environmental impact of increased air travel.

Interesting Tidbits

Here are some lesser-known facts and interesting tidbits about Wow Air that you might find surprising.

26. Free Wi-Fi: For a brief period, Wow Air offered free Wi-Fi on select flights, a rare perk for a low-cost carrier.

27. Celebrity Endorsements: The airline collaborated with celebrities like Icelandic singer Björk to promote its services and Iceland as a travel destination.

28. Unique Safety Videos: Wow Air's in-flight safety videos featured Icelandic landscapes and cultural references, making them both informative and entertaining.

29. Charity Initiatives: The airline supported various charitable initiatives, including environmental conservation projects and community development programs in Iceland.

30. Pop-Up Events: Wow Air hosted pop-up events in major cities to engage with potential customers and promote its services.

31. Rebranding Attempts: Before its collapse, the airline attempted to rebrand itself as a more premium carrier, but these efforts were ultimately unsuccessful.

Final Thoughts on Wow Air

Wow Air's story is a rollercoaster of highs and lows. Founded in 2011, it quickly became known for its budget-friendly flights across the Atlantic. Offering cheap fares, it attracted many travelers looking for affordable ways to explore Europe and North America. However, the airline faced financial difficulties, leading to its sudden shutdown in 2019. Despite its short-lived operation, Wow Air left a mark on the aviation industry by challenging traditional airlines and making international travel more accessible. Its legacy serves as a reminder of the volatile nature of the airline business and the importance of balancing low costs with sustainable operations. Whether you flew with Wow Air or just heard about it, the airline's impact on budget travel won't be forgotten anytime soon.