Coast Air

The Scandinavian country of Norway, like many other countries in Europe and the world, has recently seen a boom in air travel. This has been fuelled by the arrival of a host of low-budget airlines offering prices far below the established, conventional airlines. On the back of the major players in the field, a range of smaller boutique airlines are seeking to establish themselves by carving out niche markets. Operating out of secondary airports to cut down on operating costs, Coast Air offers direct services from and to a number of smaller, secondary destinations.

The airline uses smaller aircraft to reduce the pressure on load factors and to be able to serve smaller airfields as well as private and corporate charters. As is the case with many other small upstart airlines, Coast Air is still working to establish itself in a market of multiple players and trying to figure out the best route network.

Coast Air is based in Avaldsnes, near Haugesund, Norway. This regional airline is the fourth largest in Norway and operates domestic services within Norway as well as charter services to the rest of Europe. The airline was established in 1975, and in 1999 it was awarded a public service obligation contract with the Norwegian government on the route Oslo-Florø-Bergen. However, 3 years later the airline lost the contract to Danish Air Transport, but instead won the contract Oslo-Fagernes.

Operating a fleet of ATR 42-300s, ATR 42-320s and BAe Jetstreams, the airline offers domestic services on the following routes: Haugesund to Bergen, Molde, Sandefjord, Sandefjord and Fagernes. There is also an international service from Haugesund to Copenhagen. Charter flights for companies and organisations are available on request. Tickets can be purchased online. An additional service fee is charged for bookings made through travel agencies or via the telephone.