THE US Department of Transportation (DoT) has rejected part of Norwegian Air International’s (NAI) controversial application for exemption authority and a foreign air carrier permit. The Oslo-based low-cost carrier filed late last year for permission to conduct foreign-carrier scheduled and charter operations to and from the US.
“The Department typically reserves its exemption powers in awarding foreign air carrier authority to situations where the circumstances of a case are sufficiently clear-cut to permit acting,” the DoT said, adding that a temporary exemption was not “appropriate or in the public interest.” It added that it would issue a “tentative decision” on the permit application once it completes its review.
Norwegian’s application has encountered strong resistance on both sides of the Atlantic, particularly due to a decision to relocate its headquarters to Ireland and acquire an Irish Air Operator’s Certificate which enabled it to take advantage of more favourable operating conditions and of the Open Skies agreement between the US and the EU. Responding to the ruling, Norwegian urged the DoT to expedite its review and issue NAI’s foreign carrier permit. The airline’s CEO Asgeir Nyseth expressed his disappointment at the decision but said the carrier “looks forward to receiving approval to operate without further delay.”