A South American subsidiary of Europe’s third largest budget carrier is a step nearer taking off.
Norwegian Air Argentina received an Air Services Operator Certificate (AOC) from the Buenos Aries government on Friday.
The document recognises the company as a commercial airline, and certifies that it complies with safety and quality standards to carry out aeronautical operations and activities, in accordance with the law of the Argentine Republic.
Norwegian CEO Bjørn Kjos said: “We are honoured to receive the authorisation by the Argentine government and we thank the minister of transportation Guillermo Dietrich and his team for the trust in Norwegian.
“This is great news that shows that we are getting closer to the start of our operations in Argentina with our safe, efficient and friendly service.”
Ole Christian Melhus, CEO of Norwegian Air Argentina, described the move as “a major milestone for our journey in Argentina”.
He said: “Now we will focus on starting to offer safe flights and affordable fares to millions of passengers soon, as well as job creation and contributing to the stimulation of the local economy.”
Norwegian Air Argentina was set up in March last year and in December was granted 152 routes – 72 domestic destinations and 80 international.
The carrier received its first aircraft, a Boeing 737-800, earlier this month.
Norwegian is to start a Gatwick-Buenos Aires service on February 14 with four flights a week.