Low-cost flights to link Scandinavia with Dubai

Norwegian, a low-cost airline operating out of Scandinavia, will soon begin operating direct flights to Dubai.
The airline announced the new route at the end of February, saying it would be the first budget airline to fly from Europe to Dubai, reports Gulf News.

Flights from Oslo and Stockholm to Dubai will take off for the first time on October 26th 2008. The new service will contribute to a growing number of links between Scandinavia and the Middle East.

Airline spokesperson Anne Grete Ellingsen told Golf News that Norwegian anticipates the route to be popular both with leisure and business travellers in Scandinavia.

“But we also hope to attract tourists to Scandinavia from Dubai,” she said. Initially the airline anticipates flights to operate at 80 per cent capacity.

“With five weekly direct flights from Scandinavia, our customers will have the flexibility to choose the length of stay and a chance to escape either a hot summer or a cold winter,” said Daniel Skjeldam, chief commercial officer.

Flights from Oslo will leave for Dubai twice a week and three times a week from Stockholm. Both routes will use a Boeing 737-800 for the flights.

Bjorn Kjos, Norwegian’s CEO, said: “We see no reason not to launch long haul routes based on our low cost model. Our new fleet of 737 – 800s from Boeing enables us to look even further when analysing future markets and we aim to make good use of the opportunities the extra range gives us. These new aircrafts are fitted with the newest in seat design, giving comfort and more leg room to our customers.”