Norwegian startup Norse Atlantic will soon be able to operate flights to the United States. The carrier received tentative approval from the US Department of Transportation for its requested access to the US market.
Assuming no objections, the DOT ruling becomes binding in approximately three months. That would allow the carrier to launch US service in Spring 2022. Its application requested a “Summer 2022” launch window, so this timing is consistent with those plans.
Union peace from day one
Nose Atlantic, having learned a lesson or two from its Norwegian Air ancestry, went out of its way to avoid the Union-related objections Norwegian faced when trying to enter the US market with its UK-based 737s. The Norse Atlantic application to the US DOT highlights a pre-hire agreement with the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA, AFL-CIO (AFA).
The DOT called attention to that Union agreement and the associated support from the AFA in granting this approval.
Norse Atlantic’s Initial Routes
The September 2021 Norse Atlantic application to the US market also included mention of the company’s preferred initial routes, connecting Oslo to the New York City, Los Angeles, and Miami-Fort Lauderdale metro areas. The carrier aims to serve Stewart/Newburgh, Ontario, and Fort Lauderdale in those markets, respectively.
Norse Atlantic expects to inaugurate operations with a trio of 787 Dreamliner aircraft in its fleet. They will fly in a two-class configuration, economy and premium economy, just like they did when serving Norwegian’s long-haul fleet.
More on the Norse Atlantic evolution:
- Norse Atlantic announces initial US routes
- Norse Atlantic snags former Norwegian planes for launch
- Norwegian long-haul is dead; Long live Norse Atlantic Airways
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ABC says
ok, when are tickets available?
Seth Miller says
I’m pretty sure they have to wait for this ruling to at least clear the 21 business day window where other airlines can object. There’s also a 60 calendar day window where the President can reject the ruling.
So still at least several weeks away, I’d bet.