Norwegian is not planning to expand its base at Riga Airport at the moment, the airline’s CFO Hans-Jørgen Wibstad told LETA in an interview.
He noted that two Norwegian aircraft are currently based in Riga.
According to Wibstad, the airline is evaluating new opportunities, but there are no specific plans at this time to expand the base.
At the same time, he added that Norwegian continues to increase the number of destinations from Riga. For example, next year the airline will launch direct flights from Riga to Bergen, Norway.
“We see Riga as a very attractive destination for both business and leisure travelers. There are many Nordic companies and banks in Latvia, so there is demand both from Latvian travelers to Europe and from Norwegians, Swedes, and Danes who want to visit Riga,” Wibstad said.
He added that Norwegian’s office in Riga, located on Gustava Zemgala Avenue, currently employs around 160 people and includes several departments, such as finance, information technology (IT), and customer service.
The Riga office, he said, is an important complement to the airline’s headquarters in Oslo and strengthens the company’s efficiency. “We are pleased with how the Riga office has developed over the past five years. There was some uncertainty at the beginning, but now we have a stable, qualified, and motivated team in Riga,” Wibstad said, adding that the airline plans to remain in Riga for the long term.
He also said that, for the time being, the office will continue to be located on Gustava Zemgala Avenue, but the company has the capacity to expand if necessary.
Wibstad pointed out that Norwegian’s main competitor in Riga is the Latvian national airline airBaltic, followed by the Irish low-cost carrier Ryanair.
He acknowledged that competition is fierce, but said Norwegian’s offering has a distinct “Nordic flavor.” The company is satisfied with its performance in Riga and will continue developing its operations and exploring new destinations.
Asked whether Norwegian might consider acquiring shares in airBaltic in a possible initial public offering (IPO), Wibstad said the airline was not considering such a move. “Of course, Norwegian keeps an eye on its competitors and what they are doing, but it will not buy shares in airBaltic during an IPO, whenever it happens,” he added.
He also noted that Norwegian currently operates a fleet of 93 aircraft, with plans for gradual growth of 4–5 percent per year. The airline has ordered a total of 80 new aircraft, to be delivered by 2031.
“This is targeted but not aggressive growth, focusing more on the Northern European and Baltic markets rather than Central Europe,” Wibstad said.
Norwegian has been operating at Riga Airport since the end of 2005, and the airline opened a permanent base there in April last year. In addition, Norwegian maintains an office in central Riga.
Source: BNS
(Reproduction of BNS information in mass media and other websites without written consent of BNS is prohibited)
