Norse Atlantic makes first flight to GAIA; over 160 onboard

After almost two years of work behind the scenes, Norwegian low-cost, long-haul carrier Norse Atlantic Airlines touched down in Barbados on Friday afternoon.

Just over 160 passengers were on the flight out of Gatwick Airport, London which arrived at the Grantley Adams International Airport shortly after 4 p.m.

The Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc (BTMI) UK Director Cheryl Carter told journalists that the road to the flight’s completion was lengthy, but all players involved were satisfied with the outcome.

“We have been working with the team for I’d say, close to 24 months, from the first day that they expressed an interest in flying to the Caribbean and flying to Barbados. We obviously have been also working with the [Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association] to make sure that Norse can pair their seats with the accommodation . . . . The intention is to operate up to five flights a week between now and the middle of April next year, so we are really pleased,” she said.

Captain of the inaugural flight, Ian Manson, said it was a great experience flying the Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft into Barbados.

“We flew over 4 000 miles today [to] some beautiful views, and what a fantastic welcome from all of the representatives of Barbados,” he said. “We brought with us about 160 passengers today. We are going to be upping the loads during the winter and we are excited to bring more passengers and more explorers to the beautiful island of Barbados.” (SB)