Norwegian Air Shuttle is to move forward with a network return, that will see the airline return to 76 destinations – including the United Kingdom.
Norwegian Boeing 737-800 at Dublin Airport – Image, Economy Class and Beyond
The airline will add the following routes back to the UK from the 1st of July.
- London Gatwick – Oslo – seven times a week.
- London Gatwick- Copenhagen- six times a week.
- Edinburgh – Oslo – two times a week.
- Edinburgh – Copenhagen – two times a week.
This is part of their European network restart that will bring 76 routes back on stream – up from the 13 domestic routes currently served. The airline will need a total of 20 aircraft to commit to this effort – up from the 8 that are operating Norwegian domestic routes.
The new route maps have been released too for those who are looking to travel.
Routes from Stockholm – Image, Norwegian Air Shuttle (CC)
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Routes from Oslo – – Image, Norwegian Air Shuttle (CC)
Spain and Greece are highlighted as destinations the airline wants to serve with this expanded operation, along with other European cities.
Further destinations and frequency increases will be announced by the airline subject to passenger demand and government travel restrictions being lifted or modified.
Protective measures added
To help customers, Norwegian is also adding protective measures to prevent infections being spread:
- Travellers that are six years and older must use a facemask when travelling with us, as is recommended by the European aviation authorities.
- Passengers will be asked to keep their distance during boarding and deboarding.
- Hand luggage should be placed under the seat in front to minimise queuing in the cabin. Hand luggage that is too big to be placed under the seat in front needs to be checked in beforehand.
- Passengers will be seated with as much distance between them as possible. The mid-row seats will be the last to be occupied. Passengers and families travelling together will be seated together.
- There is no catering onboard to minimise the contact between customers and crew.
- The airline will disinfect the aircraft thoroughly according to strict guidelines and have placed extra focus on contact points on board. This reduces the risk for both passengers and cabin crew.
In quotes
Jacob Schram, Norwegian CEO said:
“Feedback from our customers has shown that they are keen to get back in the air and resume their travels with Norwegian beyond the current domestic services that we have been operating. Norwegian is returning to European skies with the reintroduction of more aircraft to serve our key destinations which will ensure that we remain in line with competing carriers. As competition in the industry begins to recover over the summer period Norwegian will be in a position to continue to offer our customers great value and service while contributing to the gradual yet important return to normality for both the tourism sector and society as a whole. Safety remains our top priority and we have introduced a number of specific measures to further reduce the already low risk of infection on board.”
Signs of hope?
Norwegian were meant to be long term grounded with their European operation placed on hold until 2021 when the airline announced its plans in April.
It seems that other airlines – as well as latent travel demand, has spurned the airline into action.
With the summer travel season an important one – along with demand, it’s time to try and make some money for the airline, even if it is using a reduced fleet.
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