Norwegian looks east: Is Japan next for cheap flights?

Norwegian Air Shuttle, one of the big drivers of the low-cost trans-Atlantic market, may be turning its eyes to the east. 

The airline's founder, Bjorn Kjos, told the Telegraph (UK) that the Far East and Africa are on his mind: “It’s a huge opportunity. Thailand is fairly well served but more like China and Japan, where you have lots of people living.” And, he said, “There are a lot of African countries that are very interesting for Europeans to fly to - beautiful countries - that have a huge potential.”

Given the degree to which Norwegian's aggressive discount plans have changed the trans-Atlantic market, and led mainline carriers such as British Air to try to compete directly with them, the same could happen on Far East routes.

However, as Kjos pointed out, there are obstacles to be overcome, including getting Russian permission to overfly their territory on the way to Asia. Nevertheless, he said, Norwegian will very soon announce its first route from Britain to a city outside North America.