Review: Flying with Nordic Regional Airlines (Norra)
Helsinki is our home, and Helsinki Airport is the primary hub for Nordic Regional Airlines (Norra). As frequent flyers with Finnair, we often find ourselves on Norra's aircraft. In this article, we share our firsthand experiences and offer insights into what flying with Nordic Regional Airlines is like. Read on to discover more about travelling with Norra and what you can expect on your next flight.
Covered in the Article
Nordic Regional Airlines
Nordic Regional Airlines (Norra) is a Finnish airline that operates primarily on behalf of Finnair. Norra is co-owned by Danish Air Transport and Finnair. The airline was established in 2011 and is headquartered in Helsinki. Its operations are centred around its Helsinki hub, with a strong focus on domestic routes within Finland. Additionally, Norra's network extends to other Nordic countries and the Baltic states and occasionally includes destinations in central Europe. The airline traces its roots back to Flybe Finland and Finnish Commuter Airlines, which were its predecessors.
Fleet
Norra's fleet exclusively comprises aircraft leased from Finnair. Currently, the airline operates two types of aircraft: the Embraer E190 turbofan and the ATR 72 turboprop. These are the only aircraft types in Norra's fleet.
Our Experiences with Norra
As frequent Finnair flyers, we often find ourselves on flights operated by Nordic Regional Airlines, particularly on shorter routes departing from Helsinki. Since Norra's aircraft bear Finnair livery and the crews are predominantly Finnish, the experience of flying with Norra often feels seamlessly integrated with Finnair. It's easy to overlook that Norra is a separate, independent airline.
Below, we share our experiences from two recent flights with Norra.
Journey to Lithuania on the ATR 72
In the summer of 2024, our travels took us from Helsinki to Lithuania, with Norra operating the flights using their ATR 72 turboprop aircraft.
Due to the ATR 72's smaller size, we boarded the aircraft directly from the tarmac using the rear door. This boarding process was quite enjoyable, especially in the summer, as it allowed us to breathe fresh air before stepping onboard.
The ATR 72 featured a 2+2 seating arrangement, which provided a cosy and intimate cabin environment. While the cabin was clean and comfortable, the narrow and short aisle might pose some discomfort for taller individuals.
Due to the ATR's slower cruising speed, our flight from Helsinki to Vilnius took longer than jet-powered aircraft. Additionally, the inherent noise of turboprop engines makes the ATR less suitable for longer journeys. Fortunately, the ATR's limited fuel capacity naturally restricts its range, making it unlikely to be used for much longer flights.
In-flight service on our flight was consistent with standard Finnair offerings, including complimentary water and blueberry juice. Although the aircraft lacked in-flight entertainment and Wi-Fi, the flight experience was pleasant, thanks to the friendly and accommodating crew.
Our flight to Vilnius was punctual and uneventful. We would be happy to board Norra's ATR 72 again for short domestic hops and quick getaways to neighbouring countries.
The shortest Norra route is from Helsinki to Tallinn, less than 80 kilometres.
Flying to Milan on the Embraer E190
In the winter of 2025, we journeyed from Helsinki to Milan. To our surprise, this relatively long route was also operated by Norra, utilizing an Embraer E190 instead of the ATR 72.
The Embraer E190 featured a 2+2 seating configuration, with the cabin neatly divided into business and economy classes by a curtain. We were seated in the economy section. The cabin was remarkably comfortable and spotless, almost appearing brand new despite age. It seemed the cabin had just been updated, which probably accounted for it. One notable drawback was the lack of reclining seats.
The in-flight service mirrored the familiar Finnair experience, offering complimentary water, blueberry juice, and other items available for purchase. We also had the option to preorder warm meals, but since we had dined at the Pier Zero Restaurant at Helsinki Airport before our journey, we didn't feel the need.
The seating was comfortable, but the Embraer E190 lacked Wi-Fi, magazines, and any form of in-flight entertainment. While the E190 is well-suited for shorter flights, the absence of these amenities made the longer journey to Milan feel more tedious, with little to engage passengers beyond the onboard sales.
The flight experienced a minor delay, which was not an issue. The crew was friendly and professional throughout. We would happily fly on Norra's Embraer E190 again for routes under two hours. However, entertainment, such as magazines or in-flight Wi-Fi, would be a welcome addition for longer flights.
Reflections on Norra's Flights
Norra's smaller aircraft provide a more streamlined experience compared to Finnair's mainline fleet.While the planes are clean, comfortable, and pleasant, they lack amenities such as Wi-Fi, magazines, and in-flight entertainment. However, the onboard service mirrors Finnair's, offering complimentary water, blueberry juice, and an onboard sales program.
The ATR 72 is well-suited for flights under an hour, while the Embraer E190 is ideal for routes up to two hours. Although the ATR's cabin noise can be bothersome, the Embraer E190 offers a quieter and more comfortable flying experience. We wouldn't hesitate to fly on Norra's E190s, even for slightly longer journeys.
Rating
Norra delivers a reliable regional flight experience, earning a 3-star rating from us. Their aircraft are comfortable and well-maintained, though they lack in-flight entertainment options. The service is comparable to Finnair's economy class, focusing on the essentials and providing a well-executed, budget-conscious experience.
While the ATR 72 can be noisy, it is well-suited for short flights. The Embraer E190, however, offers better value for the money, especially for slightly longer journeys. Overall, Norra provides a solid option for regional travel, with a service level that closely mirrors Finnair's economy class.
Bottom Line
Norra operates on behalf of Finnair, utilizing a fleet of ATR 72 and Embraer E190 aircraft. The airline delivers a basic yet reliable service comparable to Finnair's flights.
While the absence of in-flight entertainment is a minor drawback, we consistently enjoy our flights with Norra. The convenience of their short routes helps mitigate this inconvenience, making the overall experience pleasant.
We'd love to hear your Norra flight stories! Did you enjoy your experience? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Add Comment
Comments