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Norwegian Start-Up Norse Atlantic Airways Signs For New Dreamliners

A 787 Dreamliner in the Boeing livery. (Photo: AirlineGeeks | Katie Bailey)

Even amidst the ongoing pandemic, the airline industry continues to still blossom with new airline start-ups springing up every now and then, including the likes of Hong Kong’s Greater Bay Airlines, as well as Indonesian start-up Super Air Jet.

New Transatlantic Start-Up

Joining the ranks of new kids on the block would be Norwegian start-up Norse Atlantic Airways, as it has plans for take-off sometime in the later part of this year or in early 2022.

With no apparent ties to any previous carriers, the airline is flying towards a low-cost long-haul business model, with ambitions to serve the intercontinental market.

Eventually, the airline plans to serve other destinations as well with aims for major cities in the U.S, the U.K and Europe.

Possible Delays

Unfortunately for Norse, the initial plan for launch in late 2o21 might not be feasible at this point, as harsh travel restrictions still exist between the U.S. and Europe.

Also, seeing as how Norse would be based in Europe, its passengers would not be able to enter and visit the U.S. just yet unless the airline manages to get approval from the relevant authorities in the U.S.

Although, the chances of this happening are quite slim, as earlier this year, fellow low-cost carrier Norwegian Air made the announcement that it was permanently withdrawing all future flights to the U.S. due to failing demands and legal labor entities.

Preparing for Take-Off

Despite the possible hurdles that could delay its planned launch, Norse certainly did not let such possibilities faze it from growing its fleet.

In March of this year, Norse announced that it had signed a lease agreement with Aecap for its initial fleet of six used Boeing 787-9s and three used Boeing 787-8s, all of which had previously flown for Norwegian Air.

The delivery of all aircraft is expected to be completed by early 2022, and as the twin-aisle widebody aircraft is well known for its economics of fuel balance, long-range and passenger comfort, so it would make sense that the airline chose this aircraft type for its fleet.

In regards to the agreement back then, Bjørn Tore Larsen, Chief Executive Officer of Norse Atlantic Airways said, “We are thrilled to be partnering with a market leader in AerCap to lease our initial fleet of Dreamliners.”

Adding More To The Cart

But it would seem that nine Dreamliners wouldn’t be enough for Norse, as the airline made another announcement on Monday that it has signed yet another lease agreement. This time, Norse wil be working with Singapore-based leasing powerhouse BOC Aviation. The agreement consists of an additional six Boeing 787-9s.

“We are delighted to welcome Norse as a new customer as we support the airline’s plans to serve the low-cost intercontinental market with fuel-efficient Boeing 787 Dreamliners,” said Robert Martin, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of BOC Aviation, adding that BOC Aviation is very much anticipating on this new relationship with Norse.

And in a span of just half a year, the new start-up has already secured for itself an impressive total of 15 Dreamliners to head-start its long-haul operations.

Charlotte Seet

Author

  • Charlotte Seet

    Fascinated by aircraft from a very young age, Charlotte’s dream was to work alongside the big birds one day. Pursuing her dream, she went on to achieve her diploma in Aviation Management and is currently working on her degree in Aviation Business in Administration with a minor in Air Traffic Management. When she’s not busy with school assignments, you can find her aircraft spotting for long hours at the airport. In Charlotte’s heart, the Queen of the Skies will always be her favorite aircraft.

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