Ryanair it had announced, but it could be anticipated by the third low-cost European carrier: the Nordic company Norwegian Air is about to seriously launch long-haul flights at highly competitive prices. For a Rome-New York connection, which should debut in 2017, the promise is to offer it for 199 euros one way (double for the round trip).
Before that it will be France to be connected to the USA with bargain prices compared to the current market ones: from 29 July Paris and the Big Apple will be connected for the cost of 179 euros (airport taxes and commissions included), or less than 360 euros round trip against the current minimum of 500 euros of the competitors. The Paris-Los Angeles route will instead be sold at 199 euros each way (always with airport taxes and commissions included) and therefore around 400 euros. Then Paris-Fort Lauderdale/Miami for the same price.
“We are working to launch long-haul low-cost connections from Rome Fiumicino to the United States as early as next year – he declares Thomas Ramdahl, chief commercial officer of Norwegian Air -. Our goal is to create a new market that favors the increase in passenger traffic on transatlantic routes without subtracting shares from traditional carriers. In fact, we believe that a greater choice can offer travelers many advantages: competitive prices, better quality of service and increased flight frequencies between Italy and the United States".
Norwegian is the third low-cost airline in Europe that also offers a free wifi service and wider seat spacing than competitors Ryanair and easyJet. In Italy it operates in 7 airports (Rome Fiumicino, Catania, Milan Malpensa, Olbia, Palermo, Pisa and Venice) from which it is possible to reach 24 destinations in Europe.
