Norse Atlantic Further Diversifies With South Africa Addition

After expanding its network to include routes to the Caribbean and Thailand in winter 2023-24, Norse Atlantic Airways is gearing up to further diversify in the upcoming winter season by introducing flights to South Africa.

The carrier has scheduled the launch of a service connecting London Gatwick Airport (LGW) and Cape Town International Airport (CPT) from Oct. 28. Flights will be offered three times per week on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays using Boeing 787 aircraft.

This move positions the Scandinavian carrier as the third operator offering nonstop service between the cities, joining British Airways (BA) and Virgin Atlantic. According to OAG Schedules Analyser data, BA operates year-round flights from London Heathrow Airport (LHR), with daily services during the summer and double-daily flights in winter.

Additionally, BA provides a 3X-weekly LGW-CPT service during the winter season, while Virgin Atlantic offers daily flights from LHR to Cape Town during the winter months. The LGW-CPT sector was also served by Thomas Cook Airlines until its demise in September 2019.

“Norse has continued to grow at London Gatwick and provide excellent connectivity to a number of key markets across the U.S.,” says Stephanie Wear, LGW's vice president for aviation development. “This new route to South Africa is great news not only for those looking for a fantastic holiday destination, but also for trade and inbound tourism.”

Norse is already operating 787-8 flights to Africa through an ACMI charter agreement with Air Peace. Earlier this month, the carrier commenced a 4X-weekly service connecting LGW and Lagos Murtala Mohammed Airport (LOS) on behalf of the Nigerian airline. The agreement will run for an initial two months with the potential for a longer-term arrangement.

The plans for the Cape Town service come days after Norse further shored up its finances by securing a $20 million revolving credit facility from its two largest shareholders. The funding will provide a liquidity buffer prior to moving into the more cash-generative late-spring and summer seasons.

Norse intends to offer four routes from LGW during the peak summer season, connecting the UK airport to Los Angeles, Miami, New York John F. Kennedy and Orlando, Florida. Additionally, flights to Las Vegas will start on Sept. 12, operating three times per week.