Danish Air Transport (DAT) is set to purchase a 60% stake in Nordic Regional Airlines (Norra) from Finnair for an undisclosed sum.

Finnair currently owns all shares in Norra on an interim basis after the latter’s previous owners who controlled 60% interest left the business in November last year.

The latest deal will not make any changes to Norra’s current operations, employees or purchase agreement between Finnair and Norra.

Subject to approval by the Finnish Competition and Consumer Authority, the deal will allow Finnair to retain its 40% share in Norra.

Norra operates Finnair’s domestic and European routes with a total of 24 ATR and Embraer aircraft.

Danish Air Transport director Jesper Rungholm said: “We know there are great opportunities in a strategic partnership. We can strengthen our technical and operational knowledge.

“With our knowledge on scheduled and charter flights, together with Norra’s know-how, we can develop the business together.”

“The companies have the same size and both fly with ATR aircraft, which gives operating and purchasing advantages. With our knowledge on scheduled and charter flights, together with Norra’s know-how, we can develop the business together.

“And with new options on the Embraer 190 aircraft, that fits into our niche charter production.”

DAT primarily provides several scheduled services, as well as passenger charters and freight services.

Finnair chief operating officer Jaakko Schildt said: “Finnair’s and Norra’s partnership model in domestic and regional purchase traffic has served us well, and the Danish Air Transport will strengthen the partnership even more.

“They have solid experience in operating regional traffic with an ATR-fleet.”

Finnair currently serves 19 cities in Asia, seven cities in North America and more than 100 destinations in Europe.