Start-Ups Norse Atlantic Airways receives AOC

The Norwegian Civil Aviation Authority has issued an Air Operators Certificate for Start-Up carrier Norse Atlantic Airways. With the certificate, the airline is now eligible to commence passenger operations. Norse seeks to begin with transatlantic flights from Norway this year.

An Air Operators Certificate is required in order to allow an aircraft for commercial purposes. The certificate validates airline safety and that all regulatory standards are met. To receive the AOC, an airline has to have personnel, assets and concepts to ensure passenger safety.

CEO and founder of Norse, Bjørn Tore Larsen, commented: “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.”

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.”

Norse plans to offer transatlantic flights between Norway and the United States, beginning spring this year. The carrier is using a low-cost airline business model that allows affordable ticket prices and good operational performance by the airline.

Recently, Norse took delivery of a first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner for the start and plans to add more aircraft this year. Once delivered, the carrier wants to operate with a fleet of 12. Boeing 787-9s and three 787-8s.

In due time, Norse also wants to operate with a British AOC, for which the carrier has already applied. This indicates that an international expansion strategy could follow after a successful start in Norway.

By Summer, Norse plans to have approximately 1600 employees. It however remains unclear if the pandemic circumstances allow a smooth beginning into passenger services. Especially planned destinations like New York and Florida could well be postponed.