Norwegian to open Barcelona base in Apr-2014, 'considering' long-haul operations
Norwegian announced (28-Nov-2013) plans to establish its sixth base in Spain at Barcelona in spring 2014, with three based Boeing 737-800 aircraft and four new routes as well as additional frequencies on existing routes - see Route Changes Table for more information:
New routes:
Barcelona-Berlin: Three times weekly service to launch on 02-Apr-2014. According to OAG, airberlin, easyJet, Lufthansa and Vuelingalso operate on the route;
Barcelona-Hamburg: Four times weekly service to launch on 03-Apr-2014. According to OAG, Germanwings and Vueling also operate on the route;
Barcelona-Oslo Sandefjord: Twice weekly service to launch on 03-Apr-2014. According to OAG, the carrier will be the route's only operator;
Barcelona-Warsaw: Three times weekly service to launch on 03-Apr-2014. According to OAG, LOT Polish Airlines, Vueling and Wizz Airalso operate on the route.
Additional frequencies:
Barcelona-Helsinki: Frequency to increase from three times weekly to daily on 31-Mar-2014. According to OAG, Finnair and Vueling also operate on the route;
Barcelona-London Gatwick: Frequency to increase from three times weekly to daily on 31-Mar-2014. According to OAG, British Airways, easyJet, Iberia, Monarch Airlines, Ryanair and Vueling also operate between Barcelona and London;
Barcelona-Stockholm Arlanda: Frequency to increase from five to 13 times weekly on 19-Apr-2014. According to OAG, Ryanair, Vueling and SAS also operate between Barcelona and Stockholm.
The carrier plans to recruit more than 100 pilots and cabin crew locally. Norwegian CEO Bjørn Kjos said: "We have decided to open a new base in Barcelona to meet the demand for nonstop 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."