Norwegian Air unveils London-Rio flight, challenging 'monopoly'

Norwegian Air plans to start flights between London and Rio de Janeiro in March to break what it said was a "monopoly" enjoyed by British Airways between the two cities. The route from London Gatwick to Rio de Janeiro will start March 31 and have 4 weekly flights, with fares starting at US$307.72 one way. British Airways currently operates the Rio route without competition and shares the London to Sao Paulo route with LATAM. Norwegian CE Bjorn Kjos said the airline might explore flights from Sao Paulo to London in the future. "That would be our next city.” He added that the airline is not currently seeking to become a player in the domestic flight market within Brazil. Brazilian Tourism minister Vinicius Lummertz said in September that Norwegian was interested in operating in the domestic market. <br/>