SCANDINAVIA. Leading Nordic retailer and distributor Inflight Service, with its new ferry partner Kystlink, will challenge the might of Color Line on a new route set to open between Norway and Sweden in mid-June.
Inflight Service has secured a full concession agreement with Kystlink to provide shopping services onboard its Pride of Telemark vessel, which currently plies the Langesund to Hirtshals route between Norway and Denmark. The ship contains a 600sq m duty free shop.
But from next month Kystlink will open a new route between Langesund and Stromstad in Sweden, one traditionally dominated by Color Line, one of the world’s leading cruise and ferry companies.
Inflight Service Managing Director Peter Candell told The Moodie Report: “The new route is scheduled to open in mid-June. It’s what makes this new contract really interesting. We’ll be a competitor to Color Line on a key route out of Norway, which will be a great challenge. We have high hopes for the concession.”
Color Line operates the world’s largest cruise ship with a car deck, the MS Color Fantasy, and is investing heavily in new ships, particularly to cover its short-sea routes. The group carried 4.4 million passengers in 2005, and around 75% of passengers are Norwegian.
Meanwhile, Inflight Service has appointed Janus Grabowski to head its search for new retail business at eastern European airports.
MORE STORIES ON INFLIGHT SERVICE
Inflight Service is acquired by private equity firm – 13/07/05
SAS Group sells East European Euroshop travel retail business to Inflight Service Europe – 08/03/05
