Norwegian Air Shuttle (Norwegian) has announced an agreement to acquire Widerøe, a major regional carrier in Norway, from WF Holding AS. This strategic move aims to provide customers with a more extensive route network and increased options while safeguarding local employment opportunities in Norway. Widerøe will continue to operate as a separate company, maintaining its own brand, organisation and headquarters in Bodø.
Norwegian will acquire Widerøe for a cash consideration of NOK 1,125 million. The purchase price is subject to certain adjustments after closing, including in respect to the profitability of Widerøe in 2023.
By combining Widerøe's comprehensive regional route network with Norwegian's attractive domestic and international routes, customers can expect improved connectivity and a seamless end-to-end travel experience. Widerøe serves over 40 small and medium-sized airports across Norway, along with a few larger European airports. Meanwhile, Norwegian offers more than 300 routes to 114 destinations in the Nordics and Europe.
“This marks a significant milestone in Norwegian aviation history. Our two airlines have co-existed for many years and nobody knows the Norwegian aviation market better than us. Through this transaction, we will create a streamlined and comprehensive offering for all customers, enabling seamless travel across our combined route networks,” stated Geir Karlsen, CEO of Norwegian.
The two airlines have minimal route overlap, making them highly complementary to each other. Among the 107 total routes in Norway, with 85 operated by Widerøe and 22 operated by Norwegian, only five routes coincide, and all of them can be serviced using standard jet aircraft.
Both companies will continue to have bases and headquarters in Norway as today. Employees will remain in their existing companies under existing collective agreements. Widerøe will uphold its existing agreements with other airlines.
