First of three Spanish routes launched.

Norwegian, Europe’s third largest low-fare airline, has celebrated its inaugural flight to Madrid from Birmingham Airport today, the first of three Spanish routes set to launch this summer.

The first scheduled service to the Spanish capital, which will operate each Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday, was greeted into Birmingham with a water-arch salute on arrival and will be quickly followed by the launch of flights to Malaga on Monday 30th March.

The new service to Malaga will operate every Monday, Friday and Saturday and represents the second of three Spanish routes set to be served by Norwegian. The third and final service to Barcelona is set to commence on the 1st of June, flying each Monday and Friday.

David Winstanley, chief operating officer at Birmingham Airport, said: “Today is a double celebration – we’re celebrating the launch of direct flights to Madrid and welcoming Norwegian to Birmingham Airport.

“Madrid marks the first of three new Spanish routes set to be served by Norwegian from Birmingham, a clear indication of the enormous demand that exists for these popular destinations, which also includes Malaga and Barcelona.

David added: “We’re confident that our business and leisure passengers will be impressed with Norwegian’s low fares and efficient service.”

Chief Commercial Officer Thomas Ramdahl of Norwegian added: “We´re very happy to celebrate the new routes from Birmingham to several destinations in Spain. Now travellers in the greater Birmingham area can take advantage of Norwegian’s low fares and award-winning service. Our crew is looking forward to welcoming new customers on board our brand new and more environmentally friendly fleet of Boeing 737-800 aircraft with free wifi.”

Norwegian will operate a 186 seat Boeing 737-800 aircraft, with a one service cabin and free wi-fi.

Tickets are available through www.norwegian.com or through travel agents.