New Norwegian Budget Airline Norse Atlantic Airways To Lease Nine Boeing Dreamliner Jets From Irish Lessor AerCap Holdings

New Norwegian budget airline Norse Atlantic Airways will lease nine Boeing Dreamliner jets from Irish lessor AerCap Holdings, the two companies have said.

First deliveries will take place ahead of the airline's maiden flight, which is scheduled for December of 2021, and the order will be completed no later than the end of the first quarter of 2022, Norse said in a statement.

The global airlines industry has experienced heavy losses as the coronavirus pandemic discouraged flying, leaving a glut of used airplanes available for those willing to start new carriers.

The leasing agreement covers six Boeing 787-9 aircraft for a period of approximately 12 years and three Boeing 787-8 aircraft for approximately eight years, at "attractive rates and payment terms", Norse said.

The company was set up by airline industry veterans, including founder and former chief executive of Norwegian Air, Bjoern Kjos, aiming to crack the long-haul discount market.

Resistance In The US

Norse has met with resistance in the United States, where a prominent member of Congress called on the government to deny the carrier a permit to fly in the US domestic market.

News by Reuters, edited by Hospitality Ireland. Click subscribe to sign up for the Hospitality Ireland print edition.