Budget transatlantic newcomer Norse Atlantic Airways’ has won US approval to start flying from Norway and the EU.
The US Department of Transportation approved the start-up carrier’s application for the operation of flights which are now due to be launched from Oslo to “select” American cities in the spring.
New York and destinations in Florida are expected to be the first to be served from Norway, with flights from London and Paris to follow.
Norse Atlantic, which is seeking to fill the void left with the withdrawal of low cost long-haul services by Norwegian Air due to the pandemic, received its Air Operator’s Certificate by Norway’s Civil Aviation Authority and took delivery of the first of 15 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners in December.
The airline aims to recruit hundreds of US-based flight attendants and pledged to partner with local communities, tourism organisations and businesses to stimulate economic growth in regions throughout the US and Europe.
Founder and chief executive Bjørn Tore Larsen said: “We are thrilled by the Department of Transportation’s approval of our affordable transatlantic flights.
“This significant milestone brings Norse one step closer to launching affordable and more environmentally friendly service to customers traveling between Europe and the US.
“We appreciate the US DoT’s constructive and prompt approach, and we look forward to working with them in the months ahead.” said Norse
Norse Atlantic reached a pre-hire agreement with the US Association of Flight Attendants in May 2021.
Larsen added: “Our people will be our competitive advantage. We are building a high-performance culture and creating an environment where we value diversity, ensuring that all colleagues feel a sense of belonging. We look forward to start recruiting our new colleagues in the US.
“We are grateful for the support from community and labour leaders who are enthusiastic about the service we will deliver.
“We believe that transatlantic travel will resume with full force once the pandemic is behind us. People will want to explore new destinations, visit friends and family and travel for business.”