Norse Atlantic Airways: A New Era in Low-Cost Long-Haul Flights

Months after low-cost airline Norwegian Air, known for its affordable long-haul flights, announced it would be ending its cheap, transatlantic service, a new contender may be taking up the reins.

Introducing Norse Atlantic Airways

Cue Norse Atlantic Airways, an airline based in Norway founded by aviation industry veterans, including the former CEO of Norwegian Air.

Service Plans and Destinations

Norse Atlantic Airways plans to operate low-cost, long-haul services to major cities such as New York, Miami, and Los Angeles from key locations including London, Oslo, and Paris. According to Reuters, should the transatlantic service be successful, the airline may expand its routes into Asia.

Flights are expected to begin by the end of the year.

Modern Fleet and Operations

Norse Atlantic will utilize a fleet of 787 Dreamliners and has already secured nine of the 12 aircraft that Norwegian Air used for its transatlantic operations, as noted in a press release.

Leadership and Vision

The start-up was founded by a group of investors, including Bjorn Kjos, the former CEO of Norwegian Air, and Bjoern Tore Larsen, who co-founded staffing company OSM Aviation.

“We have industry knowledge and have secured modern Dreamliners at very good terms,” Larsen, who will serve as the CEO of Norse Atlantic, stated, according to Reuters.

Looking Ahead

While it remains unclear how expensive fares aboard the new airline will be, there is a keen interest in how it will compete with the former services of Norwegian Air.

Norwegian Air announced the shutdown of its transatlantic services in January due to the financial stress caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Although the airline is still in operation, it has shifted its focus to domestic Norwegian travel and destinations across the Nordic countries and major European hubs.