Episode Details

In this episode of pplpod, we look at the turbulence behind WOW Air, the Icelandic ultra-low-cost carrier that briefly took over the skies before its dramatic collapse.

We profile founder Skúli Mogensen, a tech entrepreneur who launched the airline in 2011 with a vision to turn Iceland into the "Dubai of the north". With bright purple planes and branding that read "MOM" when flipped upside down, WOW Air disrupted the industry by offering transatlantic flights for as little as £99.

Join us as we discuss:

• The Rapid Ascent: How WOW Air expanded to 20 year-round destinations, carrying over 1.6 million passengers by 2016.

• The "Churnalism" Controversy: The reality behind those rock-bottom ticket prices and the accusations of misleading advertising.

• The Crash: How overexpansion and massive financial losses led to failed takeovers by Icelandair and Indigo Partners, resulting in the airline abruptly ceasing operations in March 2019.

• The Aftermath: The economic shockwave that hit Iceland’s tourism industry and the failed attempts to resurrect the brand.