Norwegian Offers First Low-Cost Long-Haul Flights at OIA
Tuesday, June 17, 2014
By: Amy Green

June 17, 2014 | WMFE, Orlando -- Norwegian Air is offering new low-cost flights between Oslo and Orlando International Airport. Executives and local leaders are addressing concerns about the airline's business model and safety.

[Photo: By Amy Green]

Greater Orlando Aviation Authority Executive Director Phil Brown says Norwegian Air is the first to offer low-cost long-haul flights at OIA.

"This is sort of cutting edge because there's not many airlines that fly long-haul that are low-cost." 

 Aviation consultant John Byerly says the flights bring new competition to the northern Atlantic. 

"That market is dominated to the degree of 87 percent of the flying is captured by the three big U.S. long-haul carriers, Delta, American and United and by their European counterparts."

Concern centers on a Norwegian affiliate operating out of Ireland. The Air Line Pilots Association says the affiliate's location will hinder safety oversight.

Norwegian says basing the affiliate in a European Union country, rather than Norway, is advantageous because of international air agreements.

The flights at Orlando International Airport began in May. Fares begin at under $300.