Norwegian startup Norse Atlantic Airways (N0, Oslo Gardermoen) has announced the establishment of its US head office at Fort Lauderdale Executive and plans to launch non-stop transatlantic flights from Fort Lauderdale International to Paris, London, and Oslo Gardermoen in 2022.
The announcement was made at the Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance annual meeting attended by the airline's founder and Chief Executive Officer Bjørn Tore Larsen. “As a new, innovative airline planning to offer affordable transatlantic flights and with a strong US focus, a foothold in Florida and Fort Lauderdale will be key to our success. Not only is Fort Lauderdale centrally located, but it also has a smart approach to attracting new businesses to the area,” Larsen said in a statement.
Apart from Fort Lauderdale, Norse Atlantic Airways also plans to serve transatlantic services from Oslo Gardermoen to Ontario International in the Los Angeles area, and Newburgh near New York, according to the airline's application to the US Department of Transportation (DOT) for a foreign air carrier permit (FACP) and exemption authority.
Norse Atlantic Airways is currently in the process of securing its Air Operator's Certificate (AOC) in Norway which it expects by November 2021.
As reported previously, by summer 2022, it plans to operate 15 Dreamliners, including twelve B787-9s and three B787-8s.
“The timing is perfect for Norse as international travel to and from South Florida ramps up to meet market demand,” commented Mark Gale, Chief Executive Officer/Director of Aviation at Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport.
“FXE welcomes Norse Atlantic Airways’ headquarters,” said Rufus James, Airport Director of Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport. “The Uptown District will benefit greatly through further economic activity and we look forward to Norse’s successful launch. We are glad Norse will bring additional aviation jobs to FXE and the city.”
Local media reported the arrival of Norse in Fort Lauderdale would make an important contribution to job creation. Larsen said it would be a base for crews, employ hundreds of flight attendants and possibly some pilots, in addition to administrative, technical and operational staff.
