Routesonline are delighted to announce that Scandinavian low cost carrier Norwegian will launch a New Route Evaluation detailing opportunities for its short haul operation via Route Exchange, the online platform for air service development. The document, which will give detailed information on the opportunity and the process will be available to airports wishing to secure new service with Norwegian.

In January 2012, Norwegian placed an order with both Boeing and Airbus to purchase 222 aircraft. The order, consisting of 100 Boeing 737 MAX8, 22 Boeing 737-800 and 100 Airbus A320neo, is Europe's largest ever single aircraft order. When the airline's older 737-300s are phased out, it will have one of the most modern, efficient and environmentally friendly fleets in commercial operation. Norwegian also has eight B787s on order for new scheduled long haul services.

Airports in Asia and the Americas wishing to attract new B787 service to their market can also access the document, which will detail operational and commercial needs for new service. The New Route Evaluation will close on February 4th 2013. Route Exchange Airport members will be given priority to access the Norwegian documents from November 5th 2012 with non-Route Exchange Airports able to access the document from November 26th.

Thomas Ramdahl, Director of Network Planning for Norwegian, commented: “The New Route Evaluation process will allow Norwegian to receive new commercial proposals in a structured process for our short and long haul operations. The process will allow airports to understand clearly our operational and commercial requirements and submit a proposal accordingly.”

Director of Airline Relations for Routes, Paul Winfield, stated: “We are delighted that Norwegian has decided to use Route Exchange to help the carrier with its planning for new services with its short and long haul aircraft. Norwegian provides a tremendous opportunity for airports, now on a global scale and we look forward to the start of the New Route Evaluation process.”

For more information on this NRE and to visit the Norwegian Route Exchange Profile click here.

Pictured are (L-R) Thomas Ramdahl, Director Network Planning for Norwegian and Madeleine Rieber Waldjac, Senior Route Manager for Norwegian