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Norse Atlantic Airways Preparing for Launch After Receiving US DOT Approval

Norse Atlantic Airways Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. (Photo: Norse Atlantic Airway)

Starting up an airline from scratch is no easy feat, especially amidst a worldwide health crisis that has the stability of the aviation industry in its grasp — as the world has once again witnessed with the ongoing Omicron variant wave hitting various countries, causing several airlines to carry out mass cancellations of flights.

The uncertainty in the aviation industry has not once stopped newcomer long-haul, low-cost carrier Norse Atlantic Airways – which has been progressing towards its launch without much of any turbulence. Having only just signed for its initial fleet of Boeing 787-8 and 787-9 Dreamliners in August last year, the airline had already received its first aircraft in December and nicknamed it “Rondane.”

Tailwinds have been driving the airline’s progress even further as it was granted a year-end’s present in the form of an Air Operator’s Certificate by the Norwegian Civil Aviation Authority in late December, which solidifies Norse Atlantic Airways as an airline that has all the assets, personnel and systems in place to meet the expected safety standards and will be allowed to commence commercial flight operations.

Finishing Touches

It would seem that Norse Atlantic Airways is on final approach to commence flying operations as the airline received approval from the U.S. Department of Transportation for its transatlantic flight application.

“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 United States. We appreciate the USDOT’s constructive and prompt approach, and we look forward to working with them in the months ahead,” said Norse Atlantic Airways CEO and Founder Bjørn Tore Larsen in a prepared statement.

Once operations have commenced, the airline is planning to fly between Oslo and Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; Ontario, Calif. and Stewart, N.Y. Additionally, Norse Atlantic Airways then has plans to expand to more states in the U.S. and perhaps even to cities in Europe in the future.

Growing Community

Besides progressing the airline’s operation commencement, the approval from the Department of Transportation also opens up a variety of jobs in the U.S for roles such as cabin crews, travel and tourism.

“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 U.S.,” Larsen said.

This goes hand in hand with Norse Atlantic Airways goal of building a community as back in May last year, the airline had reached a historic pre-hire agreement with the U.S Association of Flight Attendants that provided an initiative to create at least 700 positions in the U.S. Ultimately, Norse Atlantic Airways is looking to bridge a positive socio-economic impact for both Norway and the U.S.

The first flights are expected for take-off in the coming spring with the probability of tickets going on sale soon seeming as high for now, but so is the possibility of a delayed or even aborted take-off for Norse Atlantic Airways as the effect of the Omicron variant still lingers within the industry.

Charlotte Seet

Author

  • Charlotte Seet

    Fascinated by aircraft from a very young age, Charlotte’s dream was to work alongside the big birds one day. Pursuing her dream, she went on to achieve her diploma in Aviation Management and is currently working on her degree in Aviation Business in Administration with a minor in Air Traffic Management. When she’s not busy with school assignments, you can find her aircraft spotting for long hours at the airport. In Charlotte’s heart, the Queen of the Skies will always be her favorite aircraft.

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