Airlines

Uncovering 85 Years of Aviation History: The Story of Norse Airways





Norse Airways is an aviation company with a long and storied history. Founded in the mid-1930s in Norway, Norse Airways is one of the oldest airlines in Europe and has been the flag carrier of Norway since its inception. The company has a rich history of innovation, growth, and development and has been the launching pad for a number of notable pilots and engineers throughout its history.

Norse Airways began operations in 1936 with a single Lockheed Vega aircraft, operated out of Oslo. The company quickly expanded its fleet, adding several de Havilland DH.89 Dragon Rapide biplanes and later several Boeing 247s. Norse Airways also operated a handful of Douglas DC-3s in the late 1940s, allowing it to expand its operations across the globe.

In the 1950s, Norse Airways began to focus on long-haul flights, and introduced its first jet aircraft, the Douglas DC-8. Norse Airways continued to expand its fleet and routes with the introduction of Boeing 707 and 727 aircraft, and eventually became the first airline in Norway to operate the Boeing 747. The company continued to introduce new aircraft throughout the 1970s and 1980s, including the McDonnell Douglas MD-11 and the Airbus A340.

Norse Airways has had a number of important milestones throughout its history. In 1961, Norse Airways became the first airline in Norway to fly passengers across the Atlantic Ocean. In 1964, Norse Airways introduced the first Boeing 747 service in Norway. In 1972, the airline operated its first trans-polar flight, flying from Oslo to Tokyo. In 1988, Norse Airways introduced its first Airbus A340 service.





Throughout its history, Norse Airways has had several incidents involving its aircraft. In 1952, a Norse Airways DC-3 was involved in an accident in which all 11 passengers and crew were killed. This was followed by the crash of a Norse Airways Boeing 707 in 1967, which resulted in the death of 88 passengers and crew. In 1975, Norse Airways was the subject of a federal investigation after a malfunctioning engine caused an MD-11 to make an emergency landing. The investigation found that the airline had failed to properly maintain the aircraft.

Today, Norse Airways is one of the largest airlines in Norway, operating a fleet of over 50 aircraft. The airline continues to innovate, and has recently introduced several new aircraft, including the Airbus A330 and the Boeing 787. Norse Airways also continues to expand its routes, offering flights to over 75 destinations around the world.

Norse Airways has evolved significantly over the last 85 years, but has remained true to its commitment to innovation, safety, and customer service. The airline has been a major part of Norway’s aviation industry, and has helped shape the country’s aviation landscape. Norse Airways’ commitment to safety, customer service, and innovation will continue to be a part of its legacy for many years to come.