Fast-expanding low-cost carrier (LCC) Norwegian is examining the possibility of setting up operations in Argentina.
While cautioning that discussions were still at an early stage, the Scandinavian carrier confirmed Dec. 20 that it was looking at the possibility of setting up one or more bases in the South American nation, which has the continent’s third-largest economy.
“As an ambitious airline with a huge aircraft order, we have made no secret of our plans to expand our operation to other parts of the world, including South America,” a Norwegian spokesperson said. .
“South America is a very interesting market, characterized by little competition and high prices and we can confirm that we are exploring opportunities to enter the Argentinean market,” the spokesperson said. “We are currently in the process of sending representatives from Norwegian to Argentina to look at the possibilities of setting up bases and launching new routes in late 2017.”
Late last week, another Norwegian spokesman told Reuters that the airline was considering Buenos Aires, Cordoba and Mendoza as sites for bases and was looking at both domestic and international services. He was quoted as saying the airline could station between six and 10 aircraft there.
The airline has been growing its network rapidly in recent years, not only from Scandinavia but from major bases at London Gatwick and Barcelona Prat airports.
Norwegian’s focus for 2017 is understood to be launching long-haul flights from Barcelona to the US and increasing its long-haul services from Paris Charles De Gaulle.