ASM has been working in partnership with the Puerto Rico Tourism Company and Aerostar Airport Holdings over the past 18 months to attract Norwegian to fly non-stop between London and Scandinavia and Puerto Rico. The discussions with the airline started at World Routes in Las Vegas in 2013 and continued with subsequent head office visits in Fornebu, to present a detailed business case.
Madeleine Rieber Waldjac, Director Network at Norwegian said: "We would like to congratulate the team at Puerto Rico Tourism Company and Aerostar Airport Holdings. It is always important to have the airport authority supported by the tourism authority and when both entities work together, it gives us confidence that the route will be well supported. We know ASM always encourages tourism authorities and airports to work closely together and they always provide a detailed market study behind any opportunity."
Nigel Mayes, Senior Vice President Consulting & Product Development at ASM complimented the Puerto Rico team's approach: "We have worked closely with Puerto Rico Tourism Company and Aerostar Airport Holdings to present a detailed business case, identifying that the market from Europe to Puerto Rico is currently underserved, with a significant percentage of indirect passengers already flying between the two markets. In the past 12 months, this market size was an estimated 150,000 passengers, with 87 per cent having to travel indirect, mainly through the USA, due to the current limited direct offering across the Atlantic. Currently, only Condor and Air Europa provide direct services to Europe."
On behalf of Aerostar Airport Holdings, Alejandro Vales, Customer & Route Development Director ASUR / Aerostar commented: "It is most important for Aerostar to work in partnership with the Puerto Rico Tourism Company as they are pivotal in taking these new routes to market, which will ensure these air service are a success for both Puerto Rico and Norwegian".
Juan A. Nadal, Director - Air & Maritime Access at Puerto Rico Tourism Company said: "I am delighted Norwegian has recognised the diverse markets reached by serving Puerto Rico: a five-star leisure market, a rapidly growing cruise market and unparalleled connectivity in the Caribbean region. Undoubtedly, these air services will help solidify San Juan, Puerto Rico as the leading Caribbean airport. We are certain many other airlines will wake up and notice the opportunity that San Juan can provide; both as destination and as a connecting point."
From San Juan, Puerto Rico, to:
- London Gatwick - two weekly departures on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Start date: November 4, 2015
- Copenhagen - one weekly departure on Fridays. Start date: November 6, 2015
- Stockholm - one weekly departure on Tuesdays. Start date: November 3, 2015
- Oslo - one weekly departure on Sundays. Start date: November 1, 2015.
Vicky Karantzavelou
ASM works in partnership with Puerto Rico to attract four new international services from Norwegian
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