Martin Langaas, Director Traffic Development & Cargo, and Gaute Riise, Vice President Traffic Development, speak to Routes about Avinor’s recent successes, future goals, and how proposed consolidation within Scandinavia could affect the Norwegian market.

Increasing connectivity to points in North America and Asia are key targets for Norwegian airport operator Avinor, an exhibitor at Routes World 2023 in Istanbul and a Routes 360 member.

Riise says the company’s strategy remains focused on increasing inbound traffic, with about 80% of future growth expected to come from visitors to Norway. A major focus therefore continues to be enhancing the long-haul network from the country's capital Oslo.

“North America is key in the further development of the Norwegian market, especially for Oslo Airport,” Riise explains. “Our main growth in long-haul passengers is coming from the North American market and that is expected to continue so we will need to continue strengthening our network in this area.

“Better connectivity to New York is key but also other North American destinations such as Toronto and northern Canada in general.”

Alongside North American targets, Riise and Langaas note a list of prospects in Asia, the majority of which are expected seasonal, which they hope to see added within the next few years. At the present time, Oslo has one nonstop connection to Asia through Norse Atlantic Airways’ newly launched route to Bangkok.

With Air France-KLM’s planned investment in SAS Scandinavian Airlines, and Norwegian’s proposed takeover of Widerøe, Avinor does not expect any major changes in its home market. Riise says the SAS investment will not be a weakness for Norway, although the carrier’s switch from Star Alliance to SkyTeam will leave some carriers without a partner.

On the Widerøe deal, he adds: “I think that it is good for Norway as a whole to have one strong carrier that can serve the complete spectrum of airports and destinations. Let's hope they look to expand further on that strength in the Norwegian markets."

Within the video below, Langaas also notes that SAS’ change of alliance could create new opportunities for other SkyTeam members—and should elicit a response from Lufthansa Group to defend its position. 

Seeking to enhance connectivity across the board for Avinor, the organization shares its underserved and unserved route opportunities through its Routes 360 membership.