Norse Atlantic <NORSE-ME.OL>, a recently-formed Norwegian airline that aims to begin flights between Europe and the United States next year, is in talks about cooperation with local carriers on both sides of the Atlantic, it has said.
Taking on customers from airlines that do not offer transatlantic routes could boost Norse Atlantic's passenger numbers, founder and CEO Bjoern Tore Larsen told a news conference.
He declined to name the companies that Norse Atlantic is in talks with or to specify what sort of cooperation might be achieved.
Seeking To Fill The Void Left By Norwegian Air's Departure From Transatlantic Routes
Norse Atlantic listed on Oslo's stock market earlier this year and is seeking to fill the void left by Norwegian Air's exit from transatlantic routes using 15 leased Boeing 787 Dreamliner plans.
"Based on the current situation, we anticipate that all our 15 Dreamliners will be flying customers between Europe and the US next summer," Larsen said.
"We do have to see travel restrictions being lifted before we launch, however," Larsen added.
The airline plans to fly between US cities such as New York, Los Angeles and Miami to European destinations including London, Paris and Oslo. It has said that it will seek to expand based on demand and profitability and could eventually fly to Asia.
Recruitment Plans
It plans to recruit 350 to 400 pilots and have approximately 1,600 employees by the time its full fleet is in the air, Larsen said.
Glut Of Aircraft Available
The airline industry has experienced heavy losses during the COVID-19 pandemic, leaving a glut of aircraft available for those launching new carriers.
Norse Atlantic Board Members And Shareholders
Norse Atlantic's board members and shareholders include Bjoern Kjos, the founder of Norwegian Air who stepped down as CEO of his old company in 2019.
Norwegian Air Restructuring
Norwegian Air, which came close to collapse when the pandemic broke out in 2020, has restructured this year, emerging as a Europe-only airline.
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