The low-cost airline Norwegian Air UK will make its debut in Brazil next year. According to data from ANAC (Brazilian civil aviation agency), the company will fly between London and Rio de Janeiro on March 29, 2019. There will be four weekly frequencies operated with a Boeing 787-9 with a capacity of 344 passengers.
Norwegian uses Gatwick airport, south of London, unlike LATAM and British Airways that fly to Heathrow, the busiest airport in the UK.
The flight will depart from Gatwick at 11 am and are expected to land in Rio at 10:25 pm (local times). The return will take place at dawn of the following day: take off at 01:25 and land in London at 12:35 p.m. Flight 7501 (London-Rio) will be held on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays and the Rio-London section (Flight 7502) on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.
Unlike other international companies, the Norwegian Boeing 787-9 is configured with only two classes, the economic and economic premium. So it is capable of transporting 344 people, 25 in the premium and 309 in the common economy. For comparison purposes, rival British Airways, which also uses 787-9 on flights to Rio de Janeiro, offers only 216 seats in four classes, 37% fewer seats.
Interest in South America
The arrival of Norwegian Air to Brazil marks a period in which several budget airlines show interest in South America. The Chilean SKY, for example, has resumed its flights to Brazil last week, but the Norwegian company is by far the most aggressive movement in the region.
Argentina was the first country where Norwegian was interested and already flies between Buenos Aires and London, but it is in the local branch that is the most significant action of the company. Norwegian Argentina debuted its regional flights in October and has ambitious plans there. In Brazil, Norwegian also rehearsed its entry into the domestic market, but so far these plans have not been revealed.
With a simpler structure and modern aircraft, Norwegian bets on more competitive fares, which can reach almost half of the values charged by major airlines. The difficult Brazilian market, however, will be a huge challenge for the company.
See also: Gol returns to fly from US to Brazil
