Norse Atlantic Airways has been granted its air operator’s certificate (AOC) from the Norwegian Civil Aviation Authority as it gears up for its transatlantic services. The Norwegian long-haul, low-cost startup, founded in March 2021, plans to launch flights to the US out of Oslo in spring 2022.
Norse Atlantic Airways gets its AOC
Norse Atlantic Airways is on track to launch its transatlantic services to the US after the Norwegian Civil Aviation Authority granted it its AOC. The carrier plans to launch flights out of Oslo Airport to three initial destinations in the US – Fort Lauderdale International, Stewart International, and Ontario International.
We are pleased to announce that we today have received an air operator's certificate by the Norwegian Civil Aviation Authority. One important step closer to launching affordable transatlantic flights! https://t.co/RAfn5WcZt2
— Norse Atlantic Airways (@flynorse) December 29, 2021
CEO and founder of Norse, Bjørn Tore Larsen, said,
“We would like to thank Norway’s Civil Aviation Authority for a constructive and professional process. We are now one important step closer to launching our attractive and affordable flights between Europe and the US in spring next year.”
The airline said that the certification was completed on December 29th. However, for its transatlantic services to begin, it will also need its foreign air carrier permit approved by the US Department of Transportation (DOT).
Norse Atlantic submitted its application to the DOT in September, despite attempts by the Biden Administration to block Norse Atlantic from conducting US flights.
Director-General of the Civil Aviation Authorities of Norway, Lars E. de Lange Kobberstad, said,
“We’ve had a good and constructive dialogue with Norse throughout the process of issuing a Norwegian AOC. We wish them the best of luck and look forward to a continued fruitful relationship going forward.”
Hoping for a spring 2022 launch
Norse Atlantic is set to launch its US flights in Spring 2022 and will operate with a fleet of 15 Boeing 787 Dreamliners. All flights will be based out of Oslo Airport as Norse Atlantic looks to take over the gap left by Norwegian.
The airline has earmarked three initial airports – Fort Lauderdale (FLL), Stewart International (SWF) and Ontario International (ONT) – which will serve the Miami, New York and Los Angeles areas, respectively.
Bjørn Tore Larsen added,
“I would also like to commend my colleagues at Norse for their outstanding efforts getting the important AOC in place.”
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First Dreamliner arrived last week
The first of 15 787 Dreamliners arrived at Oslo Gardemoen on December 20th. The 787-9 (registration: OE-LNM) has been named ‘Rondane’ after Norway’s oldest national park. Norse Atlantic has an order for 12 787-9 and three smaller -8 models.
As CEO Larsen revealed during Simple Flying’s Future Flying Forum, Norse Atlantic’s Dreamliners won’t offer business lie-flat seats. Instead, the airline will offer a premium economy cabin, fitted with recliner seats, alongside standard economy seating onboard all of its Dreamliners.
After launching its transatlantic services, Norse Atlantic plans to widen its European network and has already secured summer slots at London Stansted.
Are you excited for Norse Atlantic’s launch in spring next year? Do you plan on booking flights once the airline releases tickets? Let us know your plans in the comments.
