LONDON – Norwegian start-up carrier Norse Atlantic Airways has announced that they’re gearing up for the launch of affordable transatlantic flights. After receiving their Air Operator Certificate (AOC) from the Norwegian Civil Aviation Authority in December 2021 and also a Foreign Air Carrier Permit from the US Department of Transportation in January 2022, they’re aiming to launch tickets sales by the end of March. Additionally, the first commercial flight to take place in the second quarter of 2022. The first flight is due to leave the Norwegian capital city, Oslo, bound for an unknown U.S. destination.
Norse CEO Bjørn Tore Larsen says, “Future customers and supporters on both sides of the Atlantic are reaching out to us every day asking about when they can start buying tickets, when we will be airborne and not least what routes we will be offering. We are thrilled about the interest in the market and can confirm that our goal is to launch ticket sales by the end of March and our first flight to take off in the second quarter.”
Larsen also added regarding their route network, “We are working on finalizing our route network and look forward to announcing our destinations when we open for sale.”
As it currently stands Norse has a total of four Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft. They’re due to add 11 more consecutively over the coming months for a total of 15 Boeing 787 Dreamliner’s initially. Larsen states, “We believe that transatlantic travel will resume with full force once the pandemic is behind us. People will want to explore new destinations, visit friends and family and travel for business. Norse will be there to offer attractive and affordable flights on our more environmentally friendly Boeing 787 Dreamliner’s to both leisure and cost-conscious business travellers.”
Norse’s pilot and cabin crew recruitment drive has received over 3,000 applications to their initial 50 pilot positions based in Oslo. The the pilot training has now commenced. The first cabin crew base will be established in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Their first class of 400 cabin crew team members will commence in the next few weeks. More cabin crew bases will be put in place in line with increased services to other destinations.
On their recruitment, Larsen adds, “Our people will be our competitive advantage. We are building a high-performance culture and creating an environment where we value diversity, ensuring that all colleagues feel a sense of belonging. We are very pleased with the colleagues we have recruited so far.”
