Norse Atlantic Airways has taken a major step to fly – with the airline being issued its Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC) by the Norwegian Civil Aviation Authority.
Norse Atlantic Airways first Boeing 787-9 – Image, Norse Atlantic Airways
This move, according to the airline – puts the airline on track for the commencement of transatlantic flights in spring 2022.
An AOC is an approval granted by a national aviation authority to an aircraft operator to allow it to use aircraft for commercial purposes. This requires the operator to have personnel, assets and systems in place to ensure the safety of its employees and the general public.
The move follows the first delivery of the airline’s first aircraft – a Boeing 787-9. The aircraft is leased from BOC Aviation. The airline’s aircraft will be named after popular national parks, and this plane is named Rondane (one of Norway’s largest national parks).
Norse’s planned fleet of aircraft consists of 12 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners and three Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners. The next deliveries will continue until April and all aircraft will be initially parked at Oslo Airport.
In Quotes
CEO and founder Bjørn Tore Larsen of Norse 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 U.S. in spring next year”
He added:
“I would also like to commend my colleagues at Norse for their outstanding efforts getting the important AOC in place,”
Director General of the Civil Aviation Authorities of Norway, Lars E. de Lange Kobberstad added:
“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”
Toward Spring 2022
Norse plans to start commercial operation in spring 2022 and the first flights will depart from Oslo to selected cities in the U.S. This of course will be subject to governmental approvals. The airline plans to serve destinations including New York, Florida, Paris, London and Oslo – with the Nordic-USA routes taking priority.
With it taking inspiration from Norweigan Long Haul, it will need one hell of a good summer season to progress beyond 2022.
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