Norwegian inches closer to cheap transatlantic flights
Dublin-based low-cost carrier Norwegian Air has been granted an air operator’s certificate by the Irish authorities, moving it one step closer to launching budget flights to the US from London.
The US Department of Transportation is in the process of considering its application for a permit to fly between Europe and the US under the EU-US Open Skies Agreement.
In a statement issued today, Norwegian – which is the long-haul subsidiary of Oslo-based Norwegian Air Shuttle – said it expected to be given the same rights as were given when it operated on a Norwegian licence, once the AOC is transferred from Norway to the EU.
Norwegian is planning to launch the first low-cost, non-stop transatlantic flights from London this summer. It aims to operate three flights from Gatwick to New York, Los Angeles and Florida.
Planning to launch in July, the airline wants to fly to JFK, Los Angeles and Fort Lauderdale with fares starting from £149 one-way, including taxes and charges.
Norwegian has more than 250 aircraft on order.
It has signed an agreement to lease four more Dreamliners, taking the total to 14; three of which are already in service.
The new 787-9 Dreamliner agreement expects the additional four to enter service in 2017 and 2018.
"In order to run a competitive long-haul operation, we are dependent on brand new, cost-efficient aircraft. I´m very satisfied to have secured an additional four 787-9 Dreamliners. This is a great airplane with high passenger comfort, long range and low fuel burn," said Norwegian’s CEO Bjørn Kjos.
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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