This is taking Roald Dahl’s centenary celebrations to a higher level – literally. The world-famous author is becoming Norwegian’s first British “tail fin hero” with his portrait set to appear on one of their aircrafts.
The airline announced the move today – Roald Dahl Day. Since Norwegian’s first aircraft took to the skies, it has honoured iconic figures on the tails of its planes. It already has more than 80, personalities who symbolise the spirit of Norwegian by pushing boundaries, challenging the norm and inspiring others.
Many are famous Scandinavian figures including Hans Christian Andersen, Edvard Munch and Kirsten Flagstad. They are adding a British hero to reflect the airline’s growth in the UK, where it now flies four million UK passengers each year to more than 40 destinations.
Born in Cardiff in 1916, Roald Dahl is of Norwegian descent. He has an aviation background, joining the RAF at the age of 23 where he served as a fighter-pilot. After being injured in WW2, Dahl began writing for adults before turning his hand to children’s stories. The theme of flight has permeated throughout his career, from James and the Giant Peach through to The Minpins.
Thomas Ramdahl, Chief Commercial Officer said: “Selecting our first ever British tail fin hero is not only a mark of our huge plans for UK expansion, it is also chance to recognise a truly heroic British figure. Roald Dahl has inspired generations of adults and children and as the world celebrates his centenary, it is a great honour to have this world-famous author adorn our aircraft.”
Norwegian crew with their favourite Dahl books. Picture: David Dyson
Bernie Hall, Brand Marketing Manager, RDLE: “Roald Dahl is widely regarded as the world’s number one storyteller. Many elements of his universally-loved stories are said to have roots in the Norwegian tales that he heard from his family and from visits to Norway as a child. To be recognised for his connection to Norway in this centenary year, and for him to be made the first British tailfin for Norwegian, is something we are extremely proud of.”
The Roald Dahl tail fin will take to the skies later this year and adorn a Norwegian Boeing 737-800 plane.
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