Low cost long-haul newcomer Norse Atlantic Airways has won approval for flights from the UK.
The Civil Aviation Authority has granted the airline an Air Operator Certificate (AOC) and operating licence.
Norse Atlantic now holds two AOCs, one in Norway and another in the UK, providing greater flexibility and opportunities for the company to expand in the future from European points and the UK, in line with demand.
The carrier is keen to operate between Gatwick and a number of US destinations, subject to further regulatory approvals, particularly serving routes that are currently not served by direct flights or lacking sufficient capacity. The first service started in August.
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Flights to and from the UK will be operated by both UK and US-based cabin crew.
The carrier plans to operate two-class Boeing 787 Dreamliners and says there continues to be strong demand for travel, particularly between the UK and the US.
Chief executive Bjorn Tore Larsen said: “The United Kingdom will be a vital part of our network going forward and the granting of an AOC and operating licence by the UK Civil Aviation Authority to Norse Atlantic will provide further choice and affordable prices to consumers and businesses on both sides of the Atlantic.
“We are proud to be employing local pilots and cabin crew at our London Gatwick base and have established close working relationships with the British pilot union Balpa, the cabin crew union Unite and the American cabin crew union Afa.
“We look forward to ramping up our operations between London and the US ready for our summer 2023 schedule.”