US DOT approves Norse Atlantic flights between Europe and USA

The US Department of Transportation (DOT) has approved Scandinavian long-haul operator Norse Atlantic Airways’ application to operate scheduled and chartered service between Europe and the USA. The DOT’s show cause order, published on 14 January, paves the way for the Oslo-based start-up to launch transatlantic operations with a fleet of 15 Boeing 787 aircraft later this year. “We are thrilled by the Department of Transportation’s approval of our affordable transatlantic flights,” says Norse chief executive Bjorn Tore Larsen. “This significant milestone brings Norse one step closer to launching affordable and more environmentally friendly service to customers travelling between Europe and the United States.” In December, Norse secured an air operator’s certificate from the Norwegian civil aviation regulator, and also took delivery of its first Boeing 787-9, in Oslo. Norse Atlantic has said it plans to start commercial operations in spring 2022 with the first flights connecting Oslo to select cities in the US. It has sought formal authorization to launch service to New York, Fort Lauderdale and Los Angeles in Summer 2022.<br/>