OT Whats your immediate vision and business plan for WOW air in India
Skli Mogensen Hopefully, this is just the first of many steps. Were very excited, since Delhi is our first destination in Asia. With the growth of international travel and the local economy, I think India is an important next stepits going to be our longest route, and we are getting four brand new Airbus A330neos. We will be one of the first airlines in the world to employ and use them for this route, on connecting flights via Iceland to all our North American and European destinations. Our goal is to be significantly cheaper than the others. We strive to offer great value for money, and its been great to see how much people already know about Iceland as a destination. The number of Indians visiting Iceland has been growing annually, despite the lack of direct flights and the expenses incurred in getting there.
OT Other than the new A330neos, what else sets WOW air apart
Skli Mogensen I often say that it costs nothing to smile. I know this sounds simple, but its amazing how most airlines seem to have forgotten this simple fact. If you just look at our deliveries, our pink planes and uniforms, our service levelwe use actors to train our crew. Along with the price, all these small, simple things are unique. We like to have a price differentiator that offers great value for money. Getting a brand new aircraft, paying only for what you use, friendly servicethese are our core elements.
OT Could you tell us about some places one should go to in Iceland
Skli Mogensen My suggestion would be, dont necessarily follow the traditional, touristy, route. Go 15 minutes outside the city, and youll feel like youre in the middle of nowhere. There is no artificial light or sound, no people, cars or houses. Just you and nature. As an Icelander, its what I do all the time, because youre totally free to hike the mountains, see the waterfalls, experience the glaciers and be one with nature. Rather than recommending specific waterfalls or glaciers, Id say an authentic experience is more crucial.
OT You mainly have smaller planes like A320s and A330s. Do you plan to use larger aircrafts eventually
Skli Mogensen Our A330neos have 365 seats, so I think thats large enough to begin with. And its a great aircraft, in terms of fuel efficiency, which is crucial. Our planes are carbon efficient and environmentally sound.
OT What routes and frequencies have you planned for India
Skli Mogensen Were starting with five flights a week, and will hopefully graduate to daily flights. All five will go to Iceland and move on to 14 major North American cities like San Francisco, New York, Toronto, Dallas, Montreal, etc. And, of course, to London, Amsterdam, Paris and other cities in Europe.
OT Could you share your thoughts on India as an emerging aviation market
Skli Mogensen I feel India is preparing for a great expansion driven by underlying economic factors. With a growing middle class, one of the first things that people want to do is travel. I feel Indians are setting the stage for great developments in many areas. If you look at the current number of international travellers, I think the bigger challenge will be to keep the infrastructure growth at par with the growing demand.
OT Whats been your mantra in life
Skli Mogensen The first thing is to choose a path that you are passionate about. If you are fortunate enough to do something you love, you will most likely succeed at it. I dont necessarily mean financial success, but a fulfilling life. I started WOW air because I was looking for a new challenge, to go to bed fulfilled every night and look forward to the next morningif you can do that, youre lucky. For me, exploring new markets, meeting new people, working with a great team, is what is most rewarding.
OT Whats your long term plan for WOW air in India How do you see it growing in 10 years
Skli Mogensen I have no idea and I dont want to know, because then it would not be an adventure anymore. The plan is to take things as they go not having all the answers right away is part of the fun. Hopefully, we continue to enjoy what were doing, and remain successful at it.
354-5903000, skuli@wow.is wow.is
