Norwegian low-cost, long-haul start-up Norse Atlantic Airways has been cleared by the UK’s regulator to begin direct flights from its London Gatwick base.
Previously operating under a Norwegian air operator certificate (AOC), Norse Atlantic UK has now received an AOC and operating licence from the country’s Civil Aviation Authority.
Norse Atlantic says it is keen to operate direct flights from the UK to several US destinations – “particularly serving routes that are currently not served by direct flights or lacking sufficient capacity” – pending further regulatory approvals.
Chief executive Bjorn Tore Larsen says the UK will be “a vital part of our network going forward”, adding: “We look forward to ramping up our operations between London and the US ready for our summer 2023 schedule.”
Flights will be operated by both UK- and US-based cabin crews, says Norse Atlantic.
Norse Atlantic Airways operates a fleet of seven Norwegian-registered Boeing 787-9s, with a further example in storage, while a single stored -9 (G-CKOF) is allocated to Norse Atlantic UK, Cirium fleets data records. All are powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engines.
Meanwhile, Wizz Air Malta has been granted an AOC by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency and an operating licence by the Malta Civil Aviation Directorate.
The unit will commence operations on 28 September, with its first flight set to depart from Rome Fiumicino airport. A single Airbus A321neo (9H-WAM) has so far been allocated to the carrier.
Low-cost carrier Wizz Air already has several AOCs within its business – including operations in Abu Dhabi, Hungary and the UK. It states that the Maltese AOC will provide “enhanced flexibility and the potential for significant expansion”.
