Norwegian Seeks U.S. Approval For U.K. Subsidiary
As published by Madhu Unnikrishnan and Jens Flottau
Two years ago, low-cost carrier Norwegian filed to receive a foreign air permit in the U.S. for its Irish subsidiary, Norwegian Air International (NAI). What would normally have been a routine administrative task has turned into a protracted and bitter political fight centered on market access and competition. Now Norwegian has again filed for a U.S. permit through the U.S. Transportation Department, this time on behalf of its U.K. affiliate, Norwegian UK (NUK). And early filings to the docket indicate history may repeat itself.
Players both for and against Norwegian Air International’s application to fly to the U.S. have reiterated their positions on a similar proposal for NUK. Organized labor strongly opposes the plan, while cargo carriers, travel groups and airports are staunch supporters of the new service.
Read more in Aviation Week.