Norwegian’s next steps for Irish transatlantic routes following DOT approval of Norwegian Air International

December 7, 2016
1:40 am

Following Norwegian’s Irish subsidiary Norwegian Air International (NAI) finally awarded a foreign carrier permit by the US authorities last Friday, Norwegian plans to operate daily transatlantic flights between the Greater New York and Greater Boston areas to Ireland, as well other European destinations. The routes will be operated by crew fromÂ two new bases in the United States, as well as NAI’s European crew from European bases.

Norwegian’s CEO, Bjørn Kjos, has praised the huge support received from across Ireland during the airline’s long-running application with the U.S. authorities.

– We welcome the long overdue news that our Irish subsidiary Norwegian Air International (NAI) has been granted awarded a foreign carrier permit by the US Department of Transportation,” saidÂ Norwegian CEO and founder Bjørn Kjos.

– I would like to offer my sincere thanks for the significant and invaluable support we have received from across Ireland over the past three years — the efforts by the Irish Government, key politicians and authorities, Cork Airport and many others have all played a crucial role in the U.S. authorities finally approving our application,” continued Kjos.

Detailed planning of finally being able to launch U.S. to Ireland routes started immediately after having received the NAI permit, with the first flights planned to take off next summer. This includes finalizing details on routes, flight schedules and fares. Norwegian expect to announce the final plans in early 2017.

Initial details on Norwegian’s transatlantic plans from the U.S. to Ireland:

What routes are Norwegian planning?

– Norwegian is planning to finally launch new transatlantic routes from the Greater Boston and Greater New York areas to Cork and Shannon Airports.

When will flights start and go on sale?

– The first transatlantic flights to Cork will begin in summer 2017 — full details will be announced early in 2017 when flights will be available for purchase.

How much will fares be?

Full details on fares will be announced early next year, but Norwegian is committed to making long-haul travel affordable and accessible to all. The new routes will match low-cost fares with a high-quality service on-board state-of-the-art new aircraft.
Norwegian has already announced previouslyÂ introductory launch fares will start at $69 one-way, including taxes, and with average return fares of $300-350, including taxes.

What crew will operate the routes?

– Crew from our new U.S. bases and European crew from across Norwegian Air International’s existing European bases will operate the flights. Norwegian is actively recruiting new crew and pilots across Europe and the US to match the airline’s fleet growth and route expansion – new flights from airports such as Cork will help support many more new jobs both in the air and on the ground. As an example, immediately after the foreign carrier permit was confirmed by the US authorities, Norwegian announced plans to open a further two bases in the US next year, creating at least 150 new crew and pilot jobs.

Will Norwegian offer routes to other Irish airports?

– Norwegian’s immediate focus is on finalizing plans for the first ever transatlantic flights from Cork and also Shannon. However with US approvals now in place and Norwegian’s huge aircraft order, work is also underway to look at further opportunities for expansion in Ireland.

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