New transatlantic long-haul carrier Norse Atlantic Airways has moved a step closer to starting operations after receiving approval for flights by the US Department of Transportation.
The airline plans to start operating services from the Norwegian capital Oslo to cities in the US, followed by transatlantic routes from other European cities such as London and Paris. The airline has already secured slots at Stansted airport in the UK.
The Norwegian Civil Aviation Authority issued an air operator’s certificate to Norse Atlantic in December 2021, while the carrier also received its first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft last month.
Norse Atlantic’s CEO and founder Bjorn Tore Larsen said: “This significant milestone brings Norse one step closer to launching affordable and more environmentally friendly service to customers traveling between Europe and the United States.
“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.”
Norse will operate a fleet of 15 Boeing 787 Dreamliners between Europe and North America. The airline is expected to take over transatlantic routes previously operated by Norwegian Air, which has exited this long-haul market.
“We believe that transatlantic travel will resume with full force once the pandemic is behind us,” added Larsen. “People will want to explore new destinations, visit friends and family and travel for business.”