LONDON – The Norwegian carrier Flyr has applied for an Operating License (OL) in the United States. The carrier earlier announced the lease of one Boeing 737 aircraft to an unknown lessee, however it is unknown whether these two matters are related.
The application details
In a press release issued on December 19, new Norwegian Low-Cost Carrier Flyr announces their application for an Operating License (OL) in the United States.
According to the press release, the application comes after increasing demand in the North American aviation-market, crew and aircraft-wise. The airline shows intention of operating non-scheduled charter and wet-lease operations in and out of the U.S.
Flyr CEO Brede Huser, stated the following on the application: “The shortage of aircraft and crew in the North American market increases the demand for charter and wet-lease operations.”
“As Flyr can deliver an attractive product consisting of state-of-the-art aircraft and professional crews to many of the customers who have reached out to us over the past months, we will today apply for a U.S. foreign air carrier permit so that we may offer non-scheduled charter and wet lease flights from November 2023.”
Flyr’s current state
As it has been publicly known, Flyr has not been on a steady stream without complications in the past few months, but rather a hard bumpy path which they survived going through.
Not too long ago, the carrier was struck with deep financial issues, leading the airline to collect emergency equity totalling 400+ mln NOK, which they failed to do.
However, the company was offered an alternative solution by professional investors which they decided to tag along with, and the carrier has since been operable, though with cost-cutting limitations, leaving their route network at a minimum.
At the decision day, Flyr announced an LOI with an undisclosed airline for the lease of one Boeing 737 aircraft, a move taken to generate a more positive cash flow.
Prior to that move, the airline saw the need to reduce operations heavily by November 1, also putting an estimated 50% of the company’s workers on leave from November to March.
Resignation and agreement with Norse
Shortly after the emergency aid was in order, the ex. Flyr CEO Tonje Wiktrøm Frislid resigned, leaving the airline’s Chief Financial Officer, Brede Huser, to become the head of the airline, with immediate effect.
A short period after, Norse Atlantic and Flyr announced their new cooperation of ticket sales.
The cooperation of these ticket sales will be done through Dohop, a technology deliverer servicing with an API based technology, designed to find the best connections and price for the customers.
Summarized, airline tickets with Flyr enables customers to have a seamless transition of flights to the United States with Norse, and vice versa.
Commercial Director of Flyr, Thomas Ramdahl, said the following on the announcement: “At Flyr, we are pleased that through our partnership with Norse Atlantic Airways and Dohop, we will be able to offer loyal customers and new customers access to a number of popular destinations in the United States.”
“In addition, the cooperation contributes to increased distribution and presence in international platforms.”
Zoe Osborne, leader of commercial co-operations at Norse Atlantic Airways, also commented, stating: “We are very excited to expand our offer to our customers.”
Combined with our previously announced airline partners, we will now be able to offer even greater choice and comfort for customers wishing to travel from Europe to the US and vice versa.”
Last to comment is Sara Hanan, Commercial Director at Dohop, who said:
“We are thrilled to bring together two forward-thinking airlines such as Norse Atlantic Airways and Flyr with this cost-effective solution, which facilitates growth, new commercial opportunities and will give travelers across Europe and North America greater choices.”
