The British Airline Pilots Association (BALPA) has said that it is partnering with Norwegian low-cost startup airline Norse Atlantic Airways to bring hundreds of jobs to the United Kingdom. In a statement released today, BALPA says it partnered with Norse Atlantic Airways to ensure that the UK would benefit from the new transatlantic carrier.
Founded in February 2021 by Bjørn Tore Larsen, Bjørn Kise, and Bjørn Kjos, Norse Atlantic Airways plans to offer low-cost flights between Europe and North America starting in 2022. Rather than beginning flights as the world is grappling with COVID-19, Norse Atlantic Airways decided to postpone its launch until early 2022.
Norse has an impressive business plan
When speaking about the agreement with Norse Atlantic Airways in the BALPA statement BALPA’s National Officer Terry Brandon said:
“This is a glimmer of hope for the struggling UK aviation industry that is much needed. We are pleased to welcome Norse Atlantic to London and the new jobs they will deliver at this critical time.
“Our negotiating team has been incredibly impressed with the company’s business plan as it will provide sustainable long-term careers for our members on its transatlantic route network. This collective agreement will facilitate a fruitful relationship between BALPA and Norse to ensure that Norse is a great place to work.
“With some government restrictions now being lifted, we hope the newest member of the BALPA family flourishes and our new agreement with Norse provides opportunities for hundreds of our members.”
When speaking about the agreement with BALPA, Norse Atlantic´s CEO, Bjorn Tore Larsen, said:
“We are thrilled to be collaborating with BALPA to offer pilots the opportunity to return to the cockpit and create hundreds of new jobs in the UK, especially following a tough time for the entire aviation industry.
“The passion and professionalism demonstrated by the BALPA team are exactly what we are looking for in Norse as we build a team Norse culture throughout the entire airline, which will be our lasting competitive advantage.”
Norse to launch in the late first or early second quarter of 2022
In a statement released last month, Norse Atlantic Airways says it expects the demand for transatlantic travel to be back by either the late first or early second quarter of 2022. It anticipates that all of its 15 Boeing 787 Dreamliners will be carrying customers between Europe and the United States by the time summer arrives.
When speaking about the planned launch in the company statement Norse Atlantic Airways CEO Bjørn Tore Larsen said:
“We strongly believe that there is a need for a new and innovative airline serving the low-cost intercontinental market with modern, more environmentally friendly, and fuel-efficient aircraft as the world gradually reopens. Our plans are on track, and operations will commence when travel restrictions are lifted, and demand for transatlantic travel is back.”
Norse is looking to fill a void in the market
With its Viking-themed livery that resembles the bow of a longship, Norse Atlantic Airways is looking to fill a void in the transatlantic market left by Norwegian Airlines. Heavily in debt due to its massive growth plans, Norwegian was battered by the COVID-19 pandemic and had to look at every option if it wanted to survive.
In the end, it was decided in January 2021 that all long hall operations would cease and that a new slim downed version of the airline would focus on flying Boeing 737s on short-haul European routes.
After years of offing low-cost tickets between the USA and Europe, the public was hooked on Norwegian, which is something Norse Atlantic Airways hopes to recapture.
Low-cost carriers have come and gone with Laker Airways and People Express failing to make transatlantic travel on the cheap work. If BALPA is right about Norse Atlantic Airways’ business plan, this time may have a different ending.
Are you excited about Norse Atlantic Airways launching next year? Please tell us your thoughts in the comments.
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