Norwegian Air International has received approval from the U.S. Department of Transportation to operate trans-Atlantic services from the United States. As the carrier establishes its U.S. bases, it plans to focus on smaller, secondary airports rather than major hubs.
Thomas Ramdahl, chief commercial officer at Norwegian Air, told the Wall Street Journal that the airline intends to serve airports such as Stewart International Airport in New Windsor, N.Y., about 65 miles north of New York City. At Stewart, Norwegian would join carriers including Allegiant, American Airlines, JetBlue and Delta Air Lines.
Ramdahl also said Norwegian is evaluating Portsmouth International Airport in New Hampshire and T.F. Green Airport in Providence, R.I., as potential bases, and is considering Bradley International Airport in Hartford, Conn., as another option.
The airline plans to offer trans-Atlantic fares starting as low as $69 one-way and will deploy Boeing 737 MAX single-aisle aircraft, each configured to carry up to 189 passengers. The DOT granted Norwegian the authority to fly internationally into and out of the United States last month, a decision that sent the airline’s stock price up by roughly 12 percent.
Roger Dow, president and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association, praised the decision, saying that allowing more low-cost carriers to serve U.S. airports benefits consumers, supports economic and job growth, and expands opportunities for domestic connector flights. He emphasized that increased competition and capacity can bring more international visitors and spending to the United States, calling the policy change a clear win for travelers and the broader economy.