There was some great news announced for those wishing to travel to the U.S. via Cork Airport after the US Department of Transportation’s issued a new carrier permit that will allow Norwegian Air International to operate the first transatlantic flight service from the city.
The news comes after the US Department found no issues with the airliner’s application to schedule transatlantic flights from Cork to major U.S. airports, according to reports the U.S Department of Transportation said they ‘tentatively’ find that Norwegian Air International ‘should be issued the foreign air carrier permit’ and that there is no legal basis to deny the airline a licence to operate transatlantic flights.
The recent announcement is now seen as a major boost for Cork International Airport because it will open the process for all rival airlines to submit similar applications which will support or oppose the awarding of the permit.
The new operation and the awarding of the permit was welcomed by the managing director at Cork International Airport Niall MacCarthy, who said: “This is absolutely fantastic news for the airport, the airline and the region.
“We have worked so hard to make this happen over many months in both Washington and locally. “I acknowledge the great support received from our local business stakeholders, local politicians and the Irish Government. “I would particularly commend Cork Chamber for their solid support in these efforts.
Mr MacCarthy further explained: “We are heartened by the decision of the US Department of Transportation to announce that there is no legal reason not to award Norwegian Air International a license to commence its Cork – Boston route.
“Today marks a step change in this process and brings us even closer to a significant milestone in the airport’s history.” “It is also fantastic news for our passengers from Munster, who have been very supportive since it was first announced that Cork Airport was to get its first transatlantic service.
“Once the licence process is cleared, we look forward to engaging with Norwegian to get tickets on sale as soon as possible and the earliest practical start to operations from Cork to Boston followed by New York in due course.”