Norwegian carrier gets nod to expand flights to US with Irish subsidiary

Washington

NORWEGIAN Air Shuttle ASA won approval to expand flights to the US using an Irish subsidiary, paving the way for the carrier to offer discount trans-Atlantic fares over the objections of domestic carriers and unions.

The Department of Transportation (DOT) found Ireland-based Norwegian Air International fit to serve US destinations, according to a regulatory order on Friday. The decision opens the door to "greater competition, more flights and more jobs on both sides of the Atlantic," said Anders Lindstrom, a spokesman for the Norwegian parent company.