Cork to Rhode Island is Norwegian’s top route

The twice-weekly flights from Cork to Rhode Island is Norwegian Air’s most profitable long-haul route, according to an analysis of the airline’s operations between Europe and the US.

Transatlantic flights between Cork Airport and T. F. Green Airport in Providence have been in operation since July and have proved hugely popular with air passengers in both directions.

Fare and route performance specialists Aviation Analytics recently published an analysis of Norwegian Air’s performance. It reported an average profit of €36 per seat from flights to and from Cork, the most of its long-haul routes from Europe to the US.

The Cork route was described as a ‘Network Star’, the highest rating applied. By comparison Norwegian’s Shannon route was described as a ‘Sound Performer’ and its flights from Dublin as ‘Marginal’. Routes from parts of Britain, Sweden and Denmark were among the worst performers for the airline.

Norwegian Air confirmed they had seen strong demand for the route in its first six months.

“Although we do not breakdown performance by route, we have seen strong demand for Cork’s first ever transatlantic flights as our affordable services are proving popular with Irish holidaymakers,” a spokesperson said. 

“Norwegian has been profitable for the last 10 years, with a strong liquidity, and we look forward to continuing delivering excellent value to Cork residents seeking high quality flights to the USA.” 

There are currently non-stop flights to Boston Providence from Cork Airport with Norwegian available. from only €129 one way.

It is more good news for Cork Airport, which this week reported a 4% increase in passenger numbers in 2017. More than 2.3 million passengers used the airport last year and this followed a similar increase in passenger numbers in 2016.

In May, Cork Airport will see the commencement of a new Air France daily service between Cork and Paris that will add an additional 33,750 seats.