JetBlue urges DOT to decide quickly on Norwegian Air approval
Tuesday, 21 Oct, 2016
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JetBlue Airways is urging a quick resolution to Norwegian Air’s drawn-out application to fly to the US via its Irish subsidiary, fearing problems ahead over reciprocal rights to fly to Europe.
Norwegian Air’s application was filed more than two years ago and although DOT said it found no legal reasons to deny the application, it has still not given final approval.
According to Reuters, JetBlue wrote to DOT officials expressing concern over the unprecedented delay, fearing European regulators may also drag their feet.
"As an airline which may one day seek authorisation from the aviation authorities of European Union member states for new transatlantic services, I am concerned that JetBlue might face similar treatment and delays in the future," wrote James Hnat, JetBlue’s general counsel.
JetBlue recently said it is interested in new, long-range single aisle jets capable of flying to Western Europe.
Norwegian Air Bjorn Kjos believes the latest delay is due to the upcoming Presidential Election.
Other US airlines and unions have lobbied strongly against awarding the permit to the Dublin based Norwegian Air International subsidiary blaming the airline of trying to avoid strict labor laws in its home country.
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Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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