The airline’s board of directors has approved the launch of Norwegian Air Argentina, although the go-ahead is dependent on government approvals. Currently, the only direct link between the UK and Argentina is a British Airways flight from Heathrow.
Ole Christian Melhus, chief executive of Norwegian Air Argentina said: “Argentina is an interesting market with great potential that fits Norwegian’s global strategy very well, combining affordable domestic and international flights. I am looking forward to continue working on realizing our plans of establishing new bases, hiring many new colleagues in Argentina and not least offering low fares to the people. We have been very well received by Argentinian authorities and look forward to a fruitful relationship going forward.”
As well as the UK link, Norwegian plans to spread its brand throughout South America, offering its budget flights throughout the region.
The Norwegian Group established an Argentinian subsidiary in January 2017 and has applied for an Argentinian Air Operator’s Certificate, which is currently pending approval before the Argentinian government. In the application, Norwegian confirms plans for a “considerable operation”, including domestic and international flights.
Norwegian has begun hiring administrative staff in Argentina, with recruitment of crew due to commence in late summer.
The airline added that once government approval was obtained, the first new routes would be announced and available for sale “by year-end 2017”, with reports from Argentina indicating that flights will commence in December.
Norwegian will also start flights from Gatwick to Seattle, Denver and Singapore this year.
