LONDON – The current market situation is heavily impacted by the ongoing war in Ukraine following the Russian invasion back in February. This war has resulted in increased fuel prices, meaning that there are uncertainties relating to travel demand.
To ensure that Norse enters the market at the right time, they have changed the sales and their initial routing: the ticket sales start in April while the first flight will commence sometime in June 2022.
At the same time, Norse has secured its slots at Gatwick Airport.
“The tragedy unfolding in Ukraine creates uncertainties within international air transport that we take seriously. Norse’s flexible fleet arrangements, low-cost base, and strong financial foundation allow us to take a careful approach to launch.”
“We are in a unique position as we have not yet started flying, which gives us the advantage to enter the market cautiously in line with demand and quickly adapt to unforeseen events.”
“A gradual approach where ramp-up is exclusively driven by demand, will enable us to preserve our strong, debt-free balance sheet and cost base,” said CEO and Founder Bjørn Tore Larsen of Norse.
Norse has plans to commence flying in June, originating in Norway and flying to certain U.S. destinations. They also have plans to fly within Europe, to cities such as London and Paris, if the current market situation will allow them.
The securement of their slots in Gatwick gives Norse access to a very lucrative market to fly to within Europe, offering a wide range of destinations to fly to from Gatwick.
“We’re thrilled to have been awarded slots to operate flights to and from London Gatwick Airport as it gives us access to a very attractive market. We look forward to working closely with the great team at Gatwick Airport,” Larsen said.
The route network will be announced when ticket sales are launched.
“We have the necessary flexibility to quickly adapt to unforeseen events and ramp up with more aircraft and affordable flights to exciting destinations as soon as the market situation allows.”
“A highly motivated Team Norse and the fact that we currently only pay for our aircraft when they are in operation also gives us a competitive advantage,” Larsen added.
“The current global situation makes it challenging to predict the demand for transatlantic travel. However, we strongly believe that the demand will bounce back with full force because people will want to explore new destinations, visit friends and family, and travel for business.”
“Norse will be there to offer attractive and affordable flights on our more environmentally friendly and fuel-efficient Boeing 787 Dreamliners to both leisure and cost-conscious business travelers,” Larsen said.
