A start-up airline offering flights to Akureyri in northern Iceland has recruited a former Superbreak director to represent the business in the UK.
Chris Hagan, formerly product director at Superbreak, will represent Niceair, which will start direct year-round scheduled services from the UK, Denmark and Spain in early summer.
The Akureyri-based carrier will operate 150-seat Airbus A319 aircraft, and tickets will go on sale in early March, after a full route announcement,
Akureyri, Iceland’s second city and capital of the north, is 60 miles south of the Arctic Circle, at the end of Iceland’s longest fjord.
Attractions include skiing, whale watching, geothermal pools and cultural events – as well as 24-hour daylight in the summer and the chance to see Northern Lights in the winter.
Hagan has extensive experience of airline and tour operations to Akureyri as he was responsible for a successful charter programme to the region.
He will be working with the travel trade in the UK to develop short breaks and holiday options for British tourists.
Hagan said: “I know first-hand, having spent a huge amount of time in north Iceland, just how fantastic the tourism offering is.
“Previous customer feedback was universally positive and I look forward to these new routes allowing more guests to experience what is a unique destination.”
Thorvaldur Ludvik Sigurjonsson, Niceair managing director, added: “After over two years of in-depth analysis of the market both here in north Iceland and overseas, we are delighted to announce our plans today.
“Connecting north Iceland to key European gateways will open opportunities not just for inbound tourism to the region but also provide vital services to the local population and businesses here.
“I am delighted that Chris is working with us on this project. His experience both within the wider industry and also here will benefit the project hugely.”