“Norwegian” airline opens a base in Riga and expands the number of destinations / Article

In 2023, the executive director of the airline, Geirs Karlsen, told the LSM.lv portal that the idea of ​​establishing a base at RIX Riga Airport is not new and the desire has been there for some time, but it had to be postponed because “Norwegian”, like several other airlines, faced ” Boeing” for delays in aircraft deliveries.

“This is a big day for us, and today we are opening our 12th base. This is the sixth country we can call our base country. I see Riga as part of Northern Europe, and this just proves once again that we have to be here ,”

said the airline’s CEO, Geir Carlsen.

Riga as a place for growth

Riga was chosen as the base not only because of the location, but also because of the market, which is very attractive to the airline. Currently, the airline already operates flights from Riga to various destinations and interest in the airline’s services is growing. Also, the base in Riga is part of the company’s strategy to increase flights outside Northern Europe.

It is planned that the company will deploy not only two “Boeing” 737-8 model aircraft, but also a home for the crew at Riga airport. It is important to mention that the Riga base crew will be from Latvia.

“Norwegian’s choice to locate its base in Riga is not only a confirmation and trust of the airline to Latvia, but also to the airport, showing that we are interesting on a European scale. It should also be mentioned that the airport has big development plans, which makes it more attractive to airlines.”

Minister of Transport Kaspars Briškens (“Progressives”) said at the opening event.

“Norwegian” is not a new airline in Riga, and it has already won its place at the airport.

“Last year, Norwegian was the third largest airline based at RIX Riga Airport, and I think that opening a base here is only a natural step in the company’s development,” said Laila Odiņa, chairwoman of the board of RIX Riga Airport.

“For many of the Norwegian team, this is their first contact with aviation, other team members have come from other airlines, and it is important that the company creates jobs for local people,” emphasized Riga base manager Iluta Savicka.

The airline will also offer new destinations

With the opening of the base at “RIX Riga Airport”, the Norwegian airline will start direct flights to Corfu in Greece and Tivat in Montenegro from May 1. At the same time, the airline is interested in opening new destinations in the winter season.

“Our new network of destinations will not only be beneficial for passengers, but we will try to create competition for airBaltic as well. I think that with our network of destinations we will be able to please people not only in the summer, but also in the winter season by offering new destinations to sunny places,” talking about route network, said Carlsen.

The article is being updated