Advertisement:

As Norwegian Air Argentina finally plans to launch in October, what can we really expect from this carrier? With a reputation for high-quality service and rock bottom prices, it’s exciting to see Norwegian breaking into the traditionally expensive South American market. But can they uphold their high standards, and can they deliver on the promise of truly affordable domestic travel?

Earlier this year, Norwegian Air stepped out of their usual flight path launching a direct route from Gatwick to the capital of Argentina, Buenos Aires, for a jaw-droppingly low price of just £315. So popular were these flights, Norwegian rapidly extended their four times a week schedule to run daily, as the demand for premium destinations at budget prices became clear.

In a move which was partly regulatory and partly snatching at a gap in the market, Norwegian announced the launch of an Argentinian branch of the airline, Norwegian Air Argentina, back in 2017.

Their ambition to become the first truly global airline brand hasn’t stopped there either. In a move which was partly regulatory and partly snatching at a gap in the market, Norwegian announced the launch of an Argentinian branch of the airline, Norwegian Air Argentina, back in 2017. More recently they’ve applied for traffic rights in Brazil, with an aim to start service from Europe in 2019.

As a brand, Norwegian has already got the world talking with their record-breaking low prices for transatlantic and Asian flights proving just how low they’re prepared to go. It’s not all about cutting costs either, as they were second in the Skytrax budget airline of the year ranks too. But is this latest venture going to be a step too far for the little Scandinavian airline with the great big ideas?

Sorry, this flight is delayed

So far, it hasn’t been going brilliantly. Due for launch in August 2018, Norwegian Air Argentina has had to put back their take-off date to October. According to the CEO of Norwegian, Bjorn Kjos, this is entirely due to problems in obtaining the delivery of ordered GE Aviation’s engines.

And this is not the first time that the project has been delayed either. Originally conceived in early 2017, it was planned for Norwegian Air Argentina to start selling seats by the end of that year. However, its air operator certificate (AOC) was only granted by the Argentinian government in January 2018, and it’s first base, Cordoba, wasn’t signed off until June.

Advertisement:

Despite these delays, it is hoped that the airline will become operational by the last quarter of this year, using a fleet of B737-800s. For lovers of South American travel, this is news to squeal about. Argentina has historically been cripplingly expensive to get around by air, but thanks to the curb on price floors announced by President Macri and the immigration of Norwegian, we could soon be scooting between Mendoza, Salta and Rosario as cheaply and easily as we currently do around South East Asia.

What will Norwegian Air Argentina look like?

The original plans for Norwegian Air Argentina involved a launch with six narrowbodies (737s), rising to 50 narrowbodies and 20 widebodies (787s) within eight years following launch. So far, we’ve only seen one aircraft delivered, a Boeing 737-800, although a further nine are apparently on order.

In terms of comfort, we’ll expect the usual amazing premium economy seats on their 787’s, clocking in with a copious 46 inches of leg room. Each 737-800 aircraft, however, will seat 189 passengers in an all economy configuration, with onboard wifi as standard. Their lovely staff and relaxed hand baggage rules will surely be a fixture, as will their efforts to provide facilities and customer service which is above and beyond what most of us expect from a budget carrier.

Advertisement:

Of course, Norwegian Air Argentina aren’t the only budget competitor vying for attention in the Argentinian market. Flybodni have already staked their claim at the low-cost end of the spectrum (although their service levels have been questionable) and the national airline, Aerolineas Argentina, have recently announced domestic routes from just $30 round trip. Rumours are that Chilean airline Jet Smart will start flying in Argentina by the end of this year too.

Despite the competition, their track record of excellent service and rock bottom prices means we’re pretty confident that we’re going to see awesome things from Norwegian Air Argentina.