**Norwegian follows easyJet Holidays: the low-cost carrier acquires tour operator Nordic Leisure Travel Group** Norwegian Air Shuttle has announced a definitive agreement to acquire Nordic Leisure Travel Group (NLTG), one of the largest package holiday specialists in Northern Europe, for approximately 7.94 billion Swedish kronor (around €730 million). The deal, to be settled in cash and shares, marks a strategic shift for the Norwegian low-cost carrier as it moves from a pure airline model to an integrated travel provider, following the path already paved by easyJet with its easyJet Holidays brand. NLTG owns several well-known Nordic brands, including Ving, Spies, Tjäreborg, Globetrotter, and the charter airline Sunclass Airlines. After the transaction, Norwegian, its regional subsidiary Widerøe, and NLTG will form a group with nearly 160 aircraft and around 30 million customers per year. Norwegian expects the integration to boost its revenue by approximately 50% and to start improving earnings per share from 2027. **Why this matters for ATPL and ATC students** This acquisition is a textbook example of vertical integration in the aviation industry. For ATPL students studying airline business models, it illustrates how low-cost carriers are evolving beyond simple point-to-point operations to capture more value along the tourism value chain. The model—combining flights, accommodation, and ground services—has implications for network planning, fleet utilization, and seasonal demand smoothing. ATC students can consider how such integrated groups might influence traffic flows, especially during peak holiday periods, and how charter operations like Sunclass Airlines interact with scheduled services in busy airspace. **A model inspired by easyJet Holidays** Norwegian’s move directly mirrors easyJet Holidays, which has successfully developed a platform offering flight + hotel packages. EasyJet’s model demonstrates how a low-cost carrier can transition from selling standalone seats to providing a full holiday experience, with carefully selected hotels and flexible packages. By acquiring NLTG, Norwegian gains immediate access to a large customer base (27 million passengers) and a portfolio of tour operator brands that already sell package holidays. This allows Norwegian to control both the flight and the holiday package, potentially increasing margins and customer loyalty. **Nordic tourism context** The acquisition comes at a time when Scandinavia is attracting more tourists seeking cooler summer destinations. Nordic tourism boards are promoting new outdoor experiences and upgraded accommodations, creating a favorable environment for integrated travel providers. For Norwegian, the deal helps smooth seasonality, secure load factors on its flights, and strengthen its presence across Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden. **Conclusion** Norwegian’s acquisition of NLTG is a significant industry development that reflects broader trends in airline business models. For aviation students, it provides a real-world case study of vertical integration, network strategy, and the growing overlap between low-cost carriers and traditional tour operators.