Norse Atlantic Airlines hasannounced its new Viking-inspired livery as the company is set to launch trans-Atlantic routes in early 2022.
The Scandinavian carrier said it has received major public demand for travel between Europe and the US.
It expects demand will rebound latest by the second quarter of next year so it can fully operate its 15 Boeing 787 Dreamliner’s on long-haul routes.
“We strongly believe that there is a need for a new and innovative airline serving the low-cost intercontinental market with modern, more environmentally friendly and fuel-efficient aircraft as the world gradually reopens,” said CEO Bjørn Tore Larsen.
“Our plans are on track and operations will commence when travel restrictions are lifted and demand for trans-Atlantic travel is back.”
This is significant as Norse Atlantic faced a hurdle in March when US lawmakers debated whether the airline should be allowed to enter the US market.
The new livery presented at the unveiling represents a significant aspect of its Norwegian history, inspired by the Osenberg Ship, one of the oldest Viking artefacts.
Larsen said the aircraft reflects “Norsemen who travelled and explored the world with their state-of-the art longships.”
The Norway-based carrier expects 10,000 tickets to be sold a day in 2022 as travel rebounds.
It has faced a slow start since launching in March as the pandemic interrupted the company’s intentions to be fully operational by the end of this year.
Larsen said at the official unveiling there was “no point” flying with no demand, but because the company has a strong hold on its cash position, it could “afford to wait it out”.
The new airline, Norse Atlantic Airways, was launched by Scandinavian aviation industry veterans, replacing its state-owned predecessor, Norwegian Air.
It was announced in January its that Norwegian Air would exit out of its long-haul budget routes that once connected Europe and the US, and axe all 37 of its Dreamliners.
Norwegian filed for bankruptcy protection in both Norway and Ireland late last year, and announced it will drastically scale back its operations and fleet in order to survive.
The founder and former CEO of Norwegian Air Bjorn Kjos holds a 15 per cent stake in the new carrier, and co-founder of OSM Aviation Larsen a majority stakeholder – and also CEO.
Norse Atlantic will lease 12 ex-Norwegian Dreamliners to fly from major US hubs, such as New York, Los Angeles and Miami, to European hotspots, including London, Paris and Oslo.
All employees will remain in the airline, as Norse Atlantic entered into an agreement with US flight attendants’ union, AFA, according to the company’s statement.
The carrier expects it will recruit around 1,600 employees by summer next year.
The announcement comes as many industry sources have hinted the low-cost prices for long-haul routes business model will lead to another failure in Scandinavian aviation.
