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On Wednesday, Norwegian Air Shuttle announced of their plans to offer inexpensive flights which will come from three US cities to Rome. This change is expected to increase the competition among US and European carriers for inexpensive flights providers.
Those who choose to book a flight for the new routes to Rome’s Leonardo Da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport will only be paying for $189 for one way tickets, taxes included. The introductory prices start on November. In comparison, prices for nonstop flight for the same period will start at $2,694.
Flights from New Jersey, Newark, Oakland, Los Angeles, and California are the choice locations of low-cost airlines who are trying to expand their presence in the United States and Europe. The extra pressure is now felt by larger competitorsa, where some of these are now implementing changes such as cheaper fares and redesigned cabins.
Thomas Ramdahl, chief commercial officer of Norwegian, says Rome is considered as one of the top destinations in the world. He adds that it’s a no-brainer that they would be expanding their transatlantic presence in here and offering inexpensive flights. He also says that with more US routes created, the airline will also be creating jobs for the Americans and give the locals access to more affordable fares.
Creating American jobs played a crucial role for this Scandinavian carrier which finally received the much awaited approval from US in December, granted by the outgoing Obama administration for its Irish subsidiary, which allowed them to operate in routes across the Atlantic. Prior to the approval, the airline stumbled upon a hurdle – they were met with labor groups asking the denial of their request with the argument that their presence would undermine working standards and wages.
While the unions and US carriers were hoping that the current administration will treat foreign competition with hostility, the administration on the other hand hinted that they were interested in working with foreign airlines.
The carrier also has plans to expand operation to the French Caribbean.
