Avinor to receive diplomatic assistance in establishing direct routes between Norway and China.
The Norwegian seafood industry put its foot down at the end of May and demanded an urgent meeting with the Minister of Transport and Communications Ketil Solvik-Olsen, after the Norwegian government had denied Avinor assistance in establishing direct routes between China and Norway.
E24 confirmed that a meeting between the seafood industry, NHO and the Minister for Transport, has led to the latter changing stance and is now allowing Avinor to receive assistance through the embassy.
Norwegian government does a turnaround
In an e-mail to E24, Solvik-Olsen wrote; “We fully understand the seafood industry’s desire to offer superior air travel options to major markets in Asia, and especially China. In this instance, direct flights from Norway are the preferred option, both in terms of product quality and for strengthening Norwegian commerce and industry”.
Norsk Industri, which includes Marine Harvest in its members, is naturally thrilled with the decision.
“On the part of Norsk Industri and the seafood industry, we are both delighted with the result, and give credit to Solvik-Olsen for his quick response. We found him to be very willing to listen to us,” said Communications Director Finn Langeland.
“We feel that we have broad support from the authorities for our effort to smooth the way for airlines and Norwegian commerce and industry,” said Avinor’s Head of Communications Kristian Løksa.
According to the website Flysmart24 the Chinese airline Hainan Airlines has already applied and been granted landing rights for a direct route between Beijing and Oslo International Airport (Gardermoen). The route is planned to be operative in 2019.
