Setback for Norwegian Air’s bid for UK-US flights
Norwegian Air says it remains confident it will get permission to fly from Europen to the US despite a setback today.
The US Department of Transportation (DoT) has announced it wants more time to reach a decision on the airline’s application to fly between Gatwick Airport and New York, Orlando, Florida, and other US cities for as little as $150 each way.
The airline insisted the announcement was not a denial, but was simply ‘on procedural grounds’ to give the DoT additional time to consider the application.
"While we think it is unfortunate that DoT feels the need to further delay issuance of our permit, which has been pending now for over six months, Norwegian Air International stands behind its business – from its pilots and cabin crew to its affordable fare model to its desire to bring competition to the transatlantic market – and looks forward to receiving approval to operate without further delay," said Asgeir Nyseth, CEO of NAI.
Norwegian Air International plans to register its planes in Ireland to take advantage of an US-EU treaty that gives certain privileges.
It means Ireland would be responsible for the airline’s safety , although Norwegian hasn’t announced any plans to fly into or out of Ireland.
The airline also plans to hire cabin crew through a Singapore agency and base them in Thailand.
The application has met fierce opposition from US airlines and pilot unions in the US and Europe who claim the airline will be able to skirt labour and safety rules and will drive down prices, impacting competition.
Dozens of members of the US Congress signed letters to the Transportation Department opposing the approval.
“Because of the extensive record, which reflects the novel and complex nature of this case, the department does not find that a temporary exemption is appropriate or in the public interest,” said US Transportation Security Anthony Foxx in a statement today.
In the meantime, Norwegian Air Shuttle will continue to operate flights to the US under its existing authority from the DoT.
Bev
Editor in chief Bev Fearis has been a travel journalist for 25 years. She started her career at Travel Weekly, where she became deputy news editor, before joining Business Traveller as deputy editor and launching the magazine’s website. She has also written travel features, news and expert comment for the Guardian, Observer, Times, Telegraph, Boundless and other consumer titles and was named one of the top 50 UK travel journalists by the Press Gazette.
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