Just A Heads Up, Your 2019 WOW Air Flight Might Not Take Off

Despite rapid recent expansion, WOW Air has been struggling to survive. In a bid to keep operations afloat, USA Today reports that this low-cost Icelandic carrier is now going to be chopping its fleet. Despite these drastic changes, WOW has said that December and January schedules will not change.

It’s been no secret that WOW Air has been struggling after rapid expansion in 2015 and 2016. However, as USA Today reports, it appears that the low-cost carrier will now be shrinking just to keep its operations going.

While it may have drummed up some customers during the course of a recent 50 percent-off sale earlier this month, the carrier has also revealed that it will be cutting the size of its fleet from 20 down to just 11 aircraft.

Unsurprisingly, it has also confirmed that it has had to make staffing cuts as a result of current conditions.

The outlet reports that the carrier is planning on returning its A330s as well as its A321 craft. This, of course, will have an impact on those who have upcoming travel plans with the carrier. However, the outlet also reports that the airline has reassured travelers that its December and earlier January schedules will remain unchanged.

WOW has not announced any further information on the flights to be halted, but stated that it would be in touch with those affected by the stoppages.

The fortunes of the low-cost carrier have been uncertain as of late. A proposed merger between it and Icelandair was called off last month, but the carrier is currently in discussions with Indigo Partners regarding onward investment. Indigo owns Frontier Airlines and is involved with Volaris and Wizz Air.

In a statement quoted by the outlet, WOW said, “After a challenging year, WOW air is now restructuring and simplifying its operations to return to its roots as a profitable ultra-low cost airline, while discussions with Indigo Partners progress.”

In a further statement, also quoted by USA Today, Skuli Mogensen, WOW’s CEO said, “This is the most difficult day in the history of WOW Air. We have dedicated people who have worked hard to make WOW Air a reality and it breaks my heart to downsize the company. However, in order to ensure our future and preserve WOW Air in the long run, we unfortunately must take these drastic measures.”