Norwegian statement on US blockage of long haul expansion

Norwegian Air Shuttle’s long haul subsidiary Norwegian Air International released the a statement on the US government’s FY2015 Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act:

"We are disappointed the House legislation includes language attempting to pressure the U.S. Department of Transportation into denying Norwegian Air International's application. As with anything new and innovative, Norwegian expected opposition from entrenched interests, and we will continue undeterred in the pursuit of our goal of serving the United States.

“As a licensed carrier of the European Union, Norwegian meets all the legal, safety and operational requirements to serve the United States – and we fully intend to do so in the near future. The time has passed for the Department of Transportation to approve Norwegian's application."

The statement is in response to the US government’s obstruction of Norwegian’s plans to operate long haul flights to the US using a Dublin-based subsidiary, which opponents claim is in breach of EU employment legislation.