Norwegian founder revives low-cost long-haul ambition
James ChappleNorwegian founder Bjorn Kjos is seeking to revive his ambitions of cracking low-cost long-haul travel with the launch of a new transatlantic carrier.
Two years after stepping down as Norwegian chief, Kjos has partnered with Bjorn Tore Larsen – co-founder of OSM Aviation – to set up Norse Atlantic Airways.
Chief executive Larsen will hold a 63% stake in the new carrier, and Kjos 15%. Bjorn Kise, a long-time associate of Kjos, will hold a 12% stake.
Kise, who worked with Kjos to found Norwegian, served as Norwegian chair between 2010 and 2019, and left the embattled carrier at the same time as Kjos.
"We have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to build a brand new airline from scratch," said Larsen, reflecting on Norwegian’s decision in January to end its long-haul operations.
"As the world reopens, the public needs an innovative, low-cost intercontinental airline with modern, more environmentally friendly and fuel-efficient aircraft," Larsen added.
The trio hope to launch flights between the Europe and US by December using a fleet of 12 former Norwegian Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft.
Proposed destinations include London, Paris, Oslo, New York, Los Angeles and Miami. The airline is yet to confirm where it will base its initial 12 aircraft.
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