Rishworth Aviation to Source Boeing 787 Dreamliner Pilots for Norwegian

Rishworth Aviation, an aircrew recruitment company, has been selected to source Boeing 787 “Dreamliner” pilots for rapidly-expanding European carrier, Norwegian.

Norwegian intends to start long-haul operations in 2013, using the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner. In October 2009, the airline announced its intention to start flights from Oslo to New York and Bangkok, requiring new intercontinental aircraft, and in 2010 it announced that it was considering up to 15 intercontinental destinations from Scandinavian capitals.

The company has announced firm orders for six B787 Dreamliners, each seating up to 291 passengers. The first three aircraft will be delivered in 2013, two more in 2014 and one in 2015. Norwegian is also aiming for further expansion.

The 787 is Boeing’s most fuel efficient airliner, featuring pioneering innovations including improved aerodynamics, greater use of lightweight composite materials and one of the most sophisticated flight control systems on any commercial jet. The longest range B787 variant can fly up to 8,500 nautical miles, or up to 15,700 km, enabling the aircraft to fly nonstop on routes such as Los Angeles to Bangkok or New York City to Hong Kong.

Rishworth’s European Director, Captain Torkel Waak, said, “It is a significant milestone in the Rishworth business to be recruiting pilots for the Boeing 787, the newest and most advanced airliner in the world. We are very excited about working with Norwegian, and look forward to providing the highest calibre professional aircrew to support Norwegian’s long-haul expansion.

For eligible pilots, the course to obtain a B787 Dreamliner type rating takes 24 days, although a current type-rating on other Boeing types can reduce training time by up to 8 days. To qualify for a shortened course applicant pilots must be current on a Boeing fleet with a valid PC and three landings in the last 90 days. Training for Norwegian will be undertaken at a Boeing Training Centre in Seattle or at London Gatwick.

Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner ZA003 Interior and Exterior Tour @ Singapore Airshow 2012

See more: Videos

See other recent news regarding: Travel News Asia, Interviews, Pictures, Sports Tourism, Videos, Norwegian, Rishworth Aviation, Boeing, 787, Dreamliner, Pilots