Braathen to launch new Norwegian airline

A team led by experienced industry executive Erik Braathen is planning to launch an airline in Norway that reflects “the new economic reality”. The announcement comes as incumbent operators Norwegian and SAS struggle amid the coronavirus crisis – but also on the same day that pan-European low-cost operator Wizz Air announced it would establish a base at Oslo and commence domestic flights in the country. Amid this challenging environment, the new carrier expects to begin flights in the first half of 2021 with an initial fleet of five Airbus A320 or Boeing 737 aircraft, and serve domestic and European sectors. “We believe it is the right time to start a new airline,” Braathen states. “We will be able to lease modern aircraft for a reasonable price, hire top-tier staff, and build a digital company with less complexity in order to lower cost and achieve profitability with fewer airplanes. We will be offering passengers competitive prices and an efficient and easy digital journey from ticket purchase to destination arrival.”<br/>