‍DALLAS — Neos (NO), a significant Italian leisure carrier based in Italy, has requested Norse Atlantic Airways (N0) support to match capacity and demand on long-haul flights to Africa and the Middle East.

The carrier based at Milan-Malpensa Airport (MXP) has agreed with Norse to wet-lease one Boeing 787 unit that will fly five different routes from MXP starting December 18, 2024.

Aldo Sarnataro, Commercial Director at Neos, said, “A new aircraft in our fleet will allow us to guarantee our customers the operational stability that distinguishes us, even in periods of high season.”

The destinations selected for this leasing operation include Zanzibar (ZNZ), Mombasa (MBA), Madagascar (ANT), and Dubai (DXB). The contract also includes spare flights to the Caribbean, including La Romana (LRM) and Montego Bay (MBJ).

Two Planes Freed from a Contract with Air Europa

As recently as April, Norse Atlantic retrieved two units from a dry-leasing contract established with the Spanish carrier Air Europa (UX), which began operations in July 2021.

After their return from Madrid (MAD), these two Boeing 787-9s, LN-LNO and LN-LNR, immediately rejoined regular operations with Norse.

Currently, N0’s fleet stands at 12 Boeing 787-9 aircraft, including those transferred to its UK subsidiary (Z0). Neos will suffer from a decrease in capacity, though, as any plane that arrives in Malpensa in December will fit up to 20 passengers less than its own Dreamliners, which carry 357 passengers on average.