Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, renowned for its exceptional customer service and UK departures, is to bolster its fly-cruise offering with the launch of Fred. Olsen Airlines.
The new airline will debut with two aircraft – Brisa, inspired by the Norwegian word bris (meaning breeze), and Beacon – each accommodating up to 190 passengers. Initially, flights will operate from hubs in London and Manchester, serving a number of Mediterranean destinations to complement the cruise line’s 2025 and 2026 fly-cruise itineraries.
Operating under the tagline ‘From Waves to Wings’, Fred. Olsen Airlines will be managed from the company’s UK headquarters in Ipswich, Suffolk, under the leadership of CEO Samantha Stimpson.
The airline’s launch follows Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ recent announcement that it will continue to offer fly-cruises as part of its Autumn/Winter 2026 programme. The expansion builds on the cruise line’s reputation for excellence, recently recognised with Good Housekeeping’s coveted Reader Recommended status for its itineraries.
Samantha Stimpson, CEO of Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines and Fred. Olsen Airlines, said:
“This is an incredibly exciting new venture for us. As a cruise line, we are known for our personalised service and attention to detail, and we can’t wait to bring this same level of care to the skies as we move ‘From Waves to Wings’ with our new airline.
“Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has long been established as a leader in ex-UK sailings, offering everything from five-night breaks to worldwide adventures. The launch of our airline cements our commitment to exceptional fly-cruise experiences, serving the Mediterranean and beyond from Autumn 2025.”
For further information on Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ fly-cruise programme, visit fredolsencruises.com/fly-
