Startup carrier Norse Atlantic Airways plans to operate a transatlantic network using an all-Boeing 787 fleet. Senior airlines editor Robert Silk caught up with the carrier’s CEO, Bjorn Tore Larsen, to discuss the launch plan and his broader goals for U.S.-Europe service.
Bjorn Tore Larsen
Q: The DOT recently approved your application to fly to the U.S. When will you begin service?
A: It is important not to start flying until travel restrictions have somewhat lifted. We are very much at the very final approach for getting ready for launch. Hopefully within a few weeks we will be able to announce a date.
Q: How many aircraft do you plan to fly in your opening operational period?
A: We have 15 aircraft leased from two different companies. We will be flying with limited capacity initially, but we will keep them flying to ensure they are ready and airworthy. We plan to [ramp up] during the summer. We won’t be at full capacity, we think, until 2023.
Q: On your DOT application you talked…