Widerøe

Widerøe. It is a major regional airline in Norway and a vital component of the nation's air transport infrastructure, particularly for serving remote communities along the rugged Norwegian coast and in the northern regions of Finnmark. Founded in 1934, the airline operates an extensive network of short-haul routes, connecting smaller airports to larger national and international hubs. Owned by Torghatten ASA since 2024, it is renowned for its operational expertise in challenging Arctic conditions and its fleet of modern turboprop aircraft.

History

The airline was established on 19 February 1934 by Viggo Widerøe and his brothers. Its early operations involved seaplane services and aerial photography, playing a role in mapping Norway. After World War II, Widerøe began scheduled services, initially using aircraft like the de Havilland Otter. A significant expansion occurred in the 1960s with the introduction of the de Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter, which became synonymous with its network. In 1997, Widerøe became a wholly owned subsidiary of the SAS Group, though it maintained its own brand and operations. During this period, KLM held a minority stake. The airline left the SAS Group in 2013 and operated independently until its acquisition by the Norwegian transport conglomerate Torghatten ASA was finalized in early 2024.

Fleet

As of 2024, the Widerøe fleet consists of 48 aircraft, all turboprops optimized for short runways and frequent take-offs and landings. The backbone of the fleet is the De Havilland Dash 8 series, including the Dash 8-100 and the larger Dash 8-400 (Q400). The airline is also an early European operator of the new-generation Embraer E190-E2 jet, which it uses on longer regional routes. Historically, the Twin Otter and the Fokker 50 were central to its operations. The fleet is maintained to high standards to ensure reliability in the demanding weather conditions of Northern Norway.

Destinations

Widerøe serves an extensive domestic network, connecting over 40 destinations across Norway, with a dense concentration in Northern Norway and along the Norwegian coast. Key hubs include Oslo Gardermoen, Bergen Flesland, and Tromsø. It provides essential air links to remote communities with short runways at airports like Svolvær, Leknes, and Kirkenes. Internationally, the airline operates routes to select destinations in Denmark, Sweden, and the United Kingdom, such as Copenhagen, Gothenburg, and Aberdeen. Many of its routes are operated as part of the Norwegian government's subsidized Public Service Obligation (PSO) network.

Accidents and incidents

Widerøe has maintained a strong safety record throughout its history, though it has experienced a few notable accidents. The deadliest occurred on 6 October 1948, when a de Havilland Otter crashed near Hommelvik, killing all five on board. A significant incident involving a Twin Otter took place at Namsos Airport in 1982. The most recent fatal accident was on 10 November 1990, when a Twin Otter (Flight 744) crashed into a mountain near Værøy in poor weather, resulting in the loss of all five passengers and crew. This tragedy led to the closure of the original Værøy airstrip and the construction of a new airport.

See also

* SAS Group * Norwegian Air Shuttle * Air Norway * Aviation in Norway * Public Service Obligation * Bodø Airport * Tromsø Airport * De Havilland Canada Dash 8 * Embraer E-Jet E2 family * Torghatten (company)

Category:Airlines of Norway Category:Airlines established in 1934 Category:Companies based in Bodø