Norway’s Norse Atlantic To Launch From 4 U.S. Airports, Fares From $129

Norway-based startup airline Norse Atlantic Airways has announced the long-awaited details of its first routes. The latest airline to attempt to find a sustainable business model in low-cost transatlantic air travel will take to the skies in mid-June. Ticket sales have begun with one-way promotional fares starting from as low as $129.

Four routes announced

Norse had previously announced three U.S. cities it had hoped to serve including New York, without specifying airports. While it had been thought Norse would choose secondary airports, the airline has instead announced New York JFK as its debut U.S. airport.

The first Norse flight between Oslo (OSL) and JFK will take off on June 14, with daily flights becoming available from July 4. Promotional fares for one-way flights begin as low as $129.

Routes between Oslo and Fort Lauderdale (FLL), Orlando (MCO) and Los Angeles (LAX) begin on June 18, July 5 and August 9 respectively. One-way promotional fares for the three routes, which will all operate three times per week, start from between $161 and $193.

A long-awaited launch

International travel restrictions had hampered the original plans of Norse, who had planned to be in the air earlier this year. Several Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft previously used on Norwegian’s former long-haul service have been parked on the tarmac at Oslo Airport in their new Viking-inspired Norse livery for several weeks.

Born out of the collapse of Norwegian Air’s long-haul operation, Norse shares several investors, senior management and fleet with Norwegian. It will hope to avoid previous mistakes made by Norwegian and take advantage of a troubled post-pandemic aviation industry with some of the lowest fares ever seen.

“Whether travelling on business, leisure or simply wishing to explore the world, Norse now makes it possible for everyone to explore for less,” said Bjørn Tore Larsen, Norse CEO in a press release.

Dreamliner fleet is ready and waiting

When they eventually take to the air, the Norse Dreamliner aircraft will be configured in two-classes, economy and premium. Seats in the premium cabin feature a 43-inch seat pitch and generous 12-inch recline, but services are more aligned with premium economy than business class.

Just as important to passengers are the three fare classes: light, classic and plus. Offered in both cabins, the three fare classes define the baggage allowance, meal services, boarding process and ticket flexibility options.

The next steps for Norse

While the airline’s launch focuses on its home market Norway, the announcement of more transatlantic routes is not far away.

An airline press release stated routes and fares from London and Paris to the U.S. will be “announced soon,” while it previously confirmed it has obtained departure slots from London’s Gatwick airport. Norse also plans to add more U.S. airports to its route network.