Budget airline Norwegian’s first long-haul flight took off from Oslo bound for New York’s JFK airport in what the airline called “an important milestone” in its history.
The airline’s first intercontinental flight from Oslo Airport Gardermoen was celebrated with American food, while the cabin crew also dressed up for the occasion.
Chief executive Bjorn Kjos, who marked the event with a ribbon cutting ceremony yesterday, said: “The launch of our intercontinental routes is an important milestone in Norwegian’s history.
“Our goal is that even more passengers should afford to fly – also to other continents.
“We are very happy for the great reception of our long-haul routes and that we finally – after years of planning – are able to welcome our first New York passengers on board. The market for intercontinental flights has long been characterised by artificially high fares and limited flexibility.
“The reception of our new long-haul routes shows that many want to fly inexpensively and comfortably to New York, Bangkok and Fort Lauderdale.”
The event also saw the announcement that Norwegian will be expanding the number of weekly flights between Oslo and New York from three to four.
From November 29, it will offer daily flights between New York and Scandinavia.
Norwegian expects to take delivery of its first 787 Dreamliner in late June which will enter long-haul service in August. Norwegian currently has eight Dreamliners on order, of which three will be delivered in 2013, four in 2014 and one in 2015.
Norwegian’s first intercontinental flight from Stockholm to New York takes off this afternoon, while the first Oslo to Bangkok flight takes place tomorrow.