Widerøe's Flyveselskap

Widerøe's Flyveselskap. It is a Norwegian regional airline and a wholly owned subsidiary of the SAS Group. Founded in 1934 by Viggo Widerøe, the airline has grown to become a vital component of Norway's air transport infrastructure, particularly in serving the country's extensive network of short-runway airports along its rugged western and northern coasts. Its operations are essential for connecting remote communities, supporting the oil and gas industry in Norway, and feeding traffic into major hubs for its parent company, Scandinavian Airlines.

History

The airline was established on 19 February 1934 by aviation pioneer Viggo Widerøe and his brothers. Initial operations involved seaplane services using aircraft like the de Havilland Fox Moth, connecting locations such as Oslo and Horten. Following World War II, the carrier expanded its fleet with Douglas DC-3 aircraft and began operating scheduled services under contract for Det Norske Luftfartselskap. A significant milestone was reached in the 1960s with the introduction of the de Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter, an aircraft perfectly suited for Norway's challenging short STOL airports. The airline was acquired by the SAS Group in 1997, solidifying its role as Scandinavian Airlines' regional feeder carrier. In recent years, it has undertaken a major fleet renewal program, phasing out its iconic Bombardier Dash 8 Q100 and Q200 aircraft in favor of modern Embraer E-Jet E2 family jets.

Fleet

As of 2024, the airline operates a mixed fleet of turboprop and jet aircraft tailored for regional operations. The backbone of its short-haul network is the De Havilland Canada Dash 8-100/200 series, though these are being retired. Their primary replacement is the Embraer E190-E2 and the larger Embraer E195-E2, which offer improved efficiency and range for busier routes. The airline also utilizes the ATR 42 and ATR 72 turboprops for thinner regional services. This modernization, part of the "Zero" program aiming for more sustainable operations, represents one of the largest fleet investments in Norwegian aviation history. The fleet is maintained under strict European Union Aviation Safety Agency and Norwegian Civil Aviation Authority regulations.

Destinations

The airline maintains an extensive route network primarily within Norway, but also serves several international points. Domestically, it is the dominant carrier at numerous regional airports including Svolvær Airport, Helle, Stokmarknes Airport, Skagen, and Sandane Airport, Anda. Key domestic hubs include Oslo Airport, Gardermoen, Bergen Airport, Flesland, and Tromsø Airport. Internationally, it operates scheduled flights to destinations in Denmark, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and Germany, with cities like Copenhagen, Gothenburg, and Aberdeen being significant for both business and leisure travel. Many routes are operated as part of a Public Service Obligation contract with the Norwegian Ministry of Transport and Communications.

Operations

Operations are characterized by a high-frequency schedule on key trunk routes and essential lifeline services to remote communities. The airline holds a Air Operator's Certificate from the Norwegian Civil Aviation Authority. A significant portion of its flights are operated on behalf of the SAS Group, with full integration into the Star Alliance network via Scandinavian Airlines. Crew training is conducted at the Widerøe Flight Training center in Tromsø. The airline has pioneered the use of advanced Required Navigation Performance procedures to maintain reliability in the difficult weather and terrain of regions like Finnmark and the Lofoten islands. Its operational base at Bodø Airport is critical for serving the Norwegian Armed Forces and the offshore sector.

Corporate affairs

The company's head office is located at Bodø Airport in Nordland. It is a wholly owned subsidiary of the SAS Group, which is in turn owned by the governments of Norway, Sweden, and Denmark alongside private investors. The current Chief Executive Officer is Stein Nilsen. The airline employs over 2,000 people across its bases. Financially, it operates under long-term contracts with the Norwegian Ministry of Transport and Communications for subsidized regional routes, which form a stable revenue base. The airline's brand and operational strategy are closely aligned with its parent company, Scandinavian Airlines, particularly through the shared EuroBonus frequent flyer program. Category:Airlines of Norway Category:SAS Group Category:Airlines established in 1934