PLAY's 2024 Financial Outlook: Growth and Challenges Ahead

Author: Thomas Cooper Updated: 02-17-2025 11:00 AM

FLY Play hf. Financial Results Review for 2024

Key Achievements

New business model demonstrates growth, especially in Q4.
Passenger numbers soared with over 477,000 travelers flying from Iceland, marking a 17.1% growth year-on-year.
Revenue climbed 4% year-over-year, totaling USD 292 million for 2024.

The fourth quarter showed significant financial improvement, with a 17% rise in Revenue per Available Seat Kilometer (RASK), driven by better load factors and pricing strategies. Additionally, agreements for the long-term ACMI deployment of three aircraft solidified PLAY's revenue predictability, extending into 2027.

Operational Insights

Improvements in Performance Metrics

Q4 load factor rose to 82.5% from 78.3% in 2023.
Annual load factor increased from 83.4% to 85.3% overall.
Despite a net loss in EBIT of USD 30.5 million in 2024, improvements were noted in Q4 over the previous year.

Throughout 2024, PLAY successfully transported 1.6 million passengers, 336,000 of whom traveled in Q4 alone. The company maintained a robust fleet of ten aircraft, serving a total of 42 destinations.

Strategy for the Future

CEO Einar Örn Ólafsson emphasized that ongoing adjustments in PLAY's business model are starting to yield noticeable results. Although 2024's EBIT figures remained challenging, this period has commenced a positive trajectory for higher revenues and improved financial outcomes in 2025. Key strategies include:

Focusing on profit-oriented routes and expanding the leisure segment, with leisure travel sales climbing by 18.4%.
Cost efficiency is a significant target, with expectations of overhead reductions by 15-20% in the coming year.
Continuous innovation in service delivery while managing expenses, leading to better operational efficiency.

Despite the setbacks related to the accounting treatment of tax assets, PLAY's strong cash position of USD 23.6 million at year-end 2024 reflects solid growth compared to USD 21.6 million in 2023. The company remains committed to navigating market fluctuations and ensuring liquidity through strategies such as working capital management.

Industry Position

PLAY’s business model aligns with trends seen across the airline sector, where even established companies have faced challenges associated with negative equity. The focus remains on operational stability and customer satisfaction, underscored by a 27% increase in Net Promoter Score (NPS) compared to 2023.

Plans for added destinations, enhanced customer experiences, and geographical expansions are on the horizon, signifying PLAY's ambition to strengthen its position as a leading low-cost airline in the market.

Frequently Asked Questions

What were PLAY's passenger numbers for 2024?

PLAY carried approximately 1.6 million passengers throughout 2024, reflecting a growth in the customer base.

How did PLAY's financial performance improve in Q4 2024?

The fourth quarter saw a 17% increase in Revenue per Available Seat Kilometer (RASK) and further improvements in load factors year-over-year.

What cost-cutting measures is PLAY implementing?

PLAY is targeting a reduction of overhead costs by 15-20% through a smaller route network and more efficient supplier agreements.

How is PLAY addressing negative equity?

Negative equity is common in the airline industry, and PLAY's management emphasizes this accounting decision reflects a prudent approach rather than its operational viability.

What are the future growth strategies for PLAY?

The company is focused on maximizing profitability through route optimization, strategic partnerships, and enhancing service delivery to improve customer satisfaction.

About The Author

Hello, I'm Thomas Cooper, a financial expert and writer passionate about helping people understand and navigate the financial world. Having a solid financial background and a lot of experience, my area of expertise is simplifying difficult financial ideas into useful, understandable guidance. My goal with my writings and blog entries is to provide you the information and resources you need to make wise financial choices.

I am thrilled to contribute my ideas and engage with a lively investor community at Investors Hangout, where I recently joined the team. My mission is to make finance interesting and approachable so you may take charge of your financial future. I appreciate you coming along on this path to success and financial knowledge.

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