29-Nov-2013 7:02 AM

Norwegian establishes a new base in Barcelona and launches several new routes

Direct News Source

28-Nov-2013 Norwegian continues to expand in Europe and today, the company announced its plans to establish a new base in Barcelona, Spain, in spring 2014. Along with the new base, Norwegian will also launch new routes from Barcelona to Sandefjord Torp, Hamburg, Berlin and Warsaw.

The new base in Barcelona is Norwegian's sixth base in Spain, along with Madrid, Alicante, Malaga, Las Palmas and Tenerife.

"We have decided to open a new base in Barcelona to meet the demand for non-stop flights to and from Spain's second largest city and the capital of Catalonia. Barcelona is one of the world's most beautiful cities where we already have a major presence, but we also see a major passenger potential ahead. At the same time, it is strategically important for us to establish a base in Barcelona, as we are considering the airport for future long-haul operations," said CEO Bjørn Kjos.

"The members of the Barcelona Air Route Development Committee (BARDC) are happy that Norwegian Air Shuttle is continuing to expand in Barcelona and views our city as an important part of their future strategy not least for long-haul flights. Not only will the establishing of the new base create more jobs in the local airline industry but also the tourism industry in general," said Ricard Font, President of the BARDC and Infrastructures and Mobility Deputy Secretary of Catalonia Government.

Three aircraft based in Barcelona, four new routes and increased capacity on existing routes
Norwegian will have three new Boeing 737-800s based at Barcelona-El Prat Airport and recruit more than 100 pilots and cabin crew locally. In addition, it will launch four new routes and increase the number of frequencies on existing routes as of April 2014.

Flight Schedule - new routes

Barcelona - Sandefjord Torp: Twice a week on Thursday and Sunday from April 3

Barcelona - Hamburg: Four times a week on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday from April 3

Barcelona - Berlin: Three times a week on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from April 2

Barcelona - Warsaw: Three times a week on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from April 3

Increased number of flights

Stockholm - Barcelona: 13 weekly flights

Helsinki - Barcelona: Daily flights

Barcelona - London: Daily flights from March 31