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Norwegian Air Shuttle ASA, commonly known as Norwegian, is a major low-cost airline based in Norway, recognized as one of Europe’s leading low-cost carriers. Founded on January 22, 1993, the airline initially took over regional services in Western Norway from Busy Bee, a subsidiary of Braathens, operating a fleet of Fokker 50 aircraft. It transitioned into a low-cost carrier in 2002, adopting larger Boeing 737 aircraft and focusing on affordable fares, operational efficiency, and customer choice. Headquartered in Fornebu, just outside Oslo, Norway, Norwegian Air Shuttle ASA serves as the parent company of the Norwegian Group, which includes subsidiaries in Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Ireland, Spain, Latvia, and the United States. The airline operates a vast network of over 300 routes to more than 140 destinations across Europe, North Africa, the Middle East, and previously Asia and North America, with its primary hub at Oslo Airport (OSL) in Gardermoen.
Norwegian’s journey began as a regional commuter airline, operating Fokker 50 turbo-prop aircraft from 1993 to 2002. In 2002, it pivoted to a low-cost model, leveraging Boeing 737s to offer competitive fares. The airline expanded rapidly, launching short-haul services across Europe and, in 2013, entering the long-haul market with Boeing 787 Dreamliners through its subsidiary Norwegian Long Haul. These long-haul routes connected Europe to the United States, Asia, and South America, with key destinations including New York, Los Angeles, Bangkok, and Singapore. However, the long-haul operations faced challenges, including the grounding of Boeing 737 MAX aircraft in 2019 and the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact, leading to the suspension of long-haul flights in March 2020 and their permanent termination in January 2021. Subsidiaries Norwegian Air UK and Norwegian Long Haul were liquidated, and Norwegian Air International ceased operations outside Norway and Sweden by April 2021.
In response to these challenges, Norwegian underwent a significant restructuring, completed by November 2021, refocusing on a short-haul network across the Nordic countries and key European destinations. This included transferring its fleet to a new Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC). In 2023, Norwegian announced its acquisition of Widerøe, Norway’s largest regional carrier, for approximately €100 million, finalized in January 2024, further strengthening its domestic presence. The airline also changed its operating callsign to NORDIC in March 2022, aligning with its Scandinavian focus.
As of May 2025, Norwegian operates an all-Boeing 737 fleet, consisting of Boeing 737-800s and 737 MAX 8s, known for their fuel efficiency and modern design. The fleet supports the airline’s sustainability goals, aiming to reduce CO2 emissions by 45% by 2030. Norwegian’s aircraft feature the “Red Nose” design, with red-painted noses, and tail fins adorned with portraits of inspirational figures like Freddie Laker and Oscar Wilde. The cabins offer free Wi-Fi, good legroom, and a modern Boeing Sky Interior, enhancing passenger comfort. The airline previously operated Fokker 50s and Boeing 787s for its long-haul routes but has since streamlined its fleet for short-haul efficiency. In 2022, Norwegian committed to purchasing 50 Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft, with options for 30 more, reflecting its focus on fleet modernization.
Norwegian operates from multiple bases, including Oslo, Copenhagen, Stockholm, Helsinki, and Madrid, with a network covering approximately 450 routes to over 140 destinations. Its low-cost model emphasizes point-to-point flights, offering passengers flexibility with fare types, add-ons like onboard meals, luggage, and preferred seating, and online check-in options, including mobile boarding passes via SMS or the Travel Assistant app. The airline’s on-time performance is notable, with an 86.10% rate in October 2023, making it Europe’s most punctual airline that month.