Emirates has expanded its Scandinavian reach with the start of its daily non-stop service to Oslo.

Emirates’ daily flight to Oslo, operated with a Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, is the first international service to offer a First Class product in Norway.

The inaugural flight today was welcomed by Avinor chief executive Dag Falk-Petersen, along with partners from the travel trade and local media. 

A contingent of Norwegian business leaders based in Dubai also accompanied senior Emirates representatives on the inaugural flight.

It is estimated that over 1,200 Norwegians currently reside in the United Arab Emirates.

Thierry Antinori, executive vice president at Emirates, said: “Our new service to Oslo will play an important role in developing new opportunities for major Norwegian industries through enhanced connectivity via the Dubai hub.

“Norway’s booming oil, gas, maritime, fishing and telecom sectors will all derive substantial benefits from new links provided by Emirates to over 49 destinations in the Far East and Australasia, West Asia, Indian Ocean and Middle East, resulting in a spectrum of new economic activity. 

“Customers will also be able to experience our flagship A380, connecting to 14 destinations in the Far East, Middle East, Australasia and Indian Ocean.

“Additionally, more Norwegian travellers will be able to discover Dubai’s cosmopolitan world- class attractions via Emirates’ direct daily service.” 

He continued: “Tapping into markets like Norway, which are currently underserviced in terms of international connections, has been a key driver for our success in the past and we are confident that Oslo will be another example of this.

“We also anticipate healthy demand for our First Class product, which is aligned with the needs of our corporate travellers out of Norway.

“We consistently invest in and refine our product, and our suites have set the industry standard by providing passengers an exceptional level of privacy coupled with attentive luxury details.”

Emirates’ new daily flight to Oslo departs Dubai as EK159 at 07:00 and arrives at Oslo Airport, Gardermoen at 12:10.

The return flight, EK160 departs at 13:55 and arrives at Dubai International Airport at 22:50.