Low-cost airline Norwegian approved to operate in Argentina

Argentina Monday authorised Norwegian to fly about 60 aircraft in the country, opening 72 local and 80 international routes to the company starting next year in a move the govt said would generate 3,200 direct jobs in Argentina. The Argentine govt said that Norwegian will have access to major airports in cities including Buenos Aires, Cordoba and Mendoza. Norwegian will start operating in Argentina next year, investing a total of US$4.3b to fly about 60 aircraft, the govt said. The concession has a 15-year lifespan before it can be considered for renewal, it said. Norwegian is the latest in a series of LCCs to be authorised to operate in Argentina in the past 2 years. President Mauricio Macri, an advocate of free-markets, has said competition among carriers is the best way to keep air fares down. <br/>