Norwegian’s long-haul low-cost subsidiary Norwegian Air International has filed its reply to the US Department of Transportation's notice of August 4th, requesting comments on the meeting between the US Government and the European Commission.
Norwegian Air International urged the Department to grant its application for an exemption and a foreign air carrier permit without further delay.
Norwegian Air International’s plans have been supported by several other agencies, including the Irish Aviation Authority, US Travel Association, American Society of Travel Agents, European Low Fares Airline Association, the Oakland, Orlando, and Fort Lauderdale airport authorities, Federal Express, and Atlas Air.
In its August 4th notice, the US DoT summarized the views of the European Commission that a party to the Open Skies Agreement cannot unilaterally deny an airline's application based on the so-called "social dimension" article of the agreement.
Asgeir Nyseth, CEO of Norwegian Air International, said: "The Commission's position echoes what we have been saying from the beginning, and we trust that the clear views of the Commission answer once and for all our opponent's objections in this regard. We look forward to the Department approving our application so that we can enjoy the same rights afforded to every other European airline serving the US market; rights guaranteed to us under the Open Skies Agreement."
Norwegian long-haul subsidiary files further request for US gov’t approval
