New Norwegian Airline

Business

New Norwegian Airline

Text Tor Kjolberg

A new Norwegian carrier founded in the midst of the global health crisis is set to enter the Norwegian and European market when air traffic opens again after the COVID-19. Read more about the new Norwegian airline.

The startup airline Flyr (Flying in English) plans to operate its first passenger flight from Oslo to Tromsø late June and is set to take aim at the two low-price carriers Norwegian Air and Wizz Air. On its website Flyr states:

“Flyr was created for the Norwegian market after the coronavirus pandemic. …Norway is dependent on air travel – but perhaps a bit less than in previous years. Therefore, we built an airline from scratch, based on many years of experience, with a size, organization, and business model that is adapted to this future.”

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In a press release from the company ticket sales will begin in May, made possible with the Norwegian government providing a concrete plan for reopening the economy and explains:

“In order not to get into a situation with significant changes in the route program and subsequent re-bookings that will be unfortunate for customers, our start-up is adapted to the Government’s plan for the reopening of Norway.”

Related: Will Norway Be The First Market For Electric Commercial Flights?

Flyr is expected to operate a fleet of between 28-30 Boeing 737-800 aircraft in a 186 seat configuration. The aircraft is currently awaiting approval of its Air Operator’s Certificate which was submitted in October last year.

According to the airline, employees and partners are “very eager to get

Boeing-737-800 cockpit. Photo: Wikimedia Commons.

According to the airline, employees and partners are “very eager to get started”

CEO Tonje Wikstrøm Frislid. Photo: Nikolas Tourrence

started”. The carrier will also launch service to additional destinations in Norway “and well-known and beloved destinations in Europe,” says CEO Tonje Wikstrøm Frislid. These ‘beloved destinations will include Malaga and Alicante (Spain) and Nice (France).

Flyr claims that the flying will be simplified, flexible and customerfriendly’ and will be based on passenger demand. “Flying is what we do best and that is the only thing we plan to be doing,” is the message.

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Flyr’s team consists of professionals that have worked extensively in the regional aviation sector, including at airlines like SAS, Norwegian, Widerøe, and Braathens.

Flyr’s first pair of aircraft will be delivered in May, with more being delivered in June. Data from Planespotters.net indicates that these two initial aircraft will be Boeing 737-800s that have previously flown for Turkish budget airline Pegasus. Configured with an all-economy 189 seats, the average age of the jets is about eight years. After the summer season, the fleet will be expanded through the autumn. Assuming the airline keeps with an all 737 fleet with an alleconomy layout, it appears that Flyr will be a Norwegian version of Ryanair. The route network will be expanded when they receive deliveries over the next couple of years. Seemingly, Flyr is well-staffed with a team of professionals who know the regional market and have extensive experience in Nordic aviation. Only time will show whether this impressive-looking start-up will succeed in undoubtedly tough years to come for aviation.

Photo credits: Staff and aircraft: Flyr Cockpit: Wikipedia Commons CEO Tonje Wikstrøm Frislid © www.tourrenc.no