Norwegian has continued to expand in Europe with the company announcing plans to establish a new base in Barcelona, Spain, in spring 2014.

Along with the new base, Norwegian will also launch new routes from Barcelona to Sandefjord Torp, Hamburg, Berlin and Warsaw. 

The new base in Barcelona is Norwegian’s sixth base in Spain, along with Madrid, Alicante, Malaga, Las Palmas and Tenerife.

“We have decided to open a new base in Barcelona to meet the demand for non-stop flights to and from Spain’s second largest city and the capital of Catalonia.

“Barcelona is one of the world’s most beautiful cities where we already have a major presence, but we also see a major passenger potential ahead.

“At the same time, it is strategically important for us to establish a base in Barcelona, as we are considering the airport for future long-haul operations,” said chief executive Bjørn Kjos.

Three aircraft based in Barcelona, four new routes and increased capacity on existing routes

Norwegian will have three new Boeing 737-800s based at Barcelona-El Prat Airport and recruit more than 100 pilots and cabin crew locally.

In addition, it will launch four new routes and increase the number of frequencies on existing routes as of April 2014. 

“The members of the Barcelona Air Route Development Committee are happy that Norwegian Air Shuttle is continuing to expand in Barcelona and views our city as an important part of their future strategy not least for long-haul flights.

“Not only will the establishing of the new base create more jobs in the local airline industry but also the tourism industry in general,” said Ricard Font, president, infrastructures and mobility deputy secretary of Catalonia government.