Norse Atlantic UK has been granted a foreign air carrier permit by the US government, giving it the green light to start operating direct flights between the UK and the US.

Aiming to replicate Norwegian Air’s low-cost long-haul model out of Gatwick, which was axed during the pandemic, Norse said its entrance would benefit consumers, businesses and local economies on both sides of the Atlantic.

Despite being destined to compete in an already crowded market, with British Airways, Virgin Atlantic and JetBlue all already operating London-New York routes, and with Delta set to resume flying London-New York from Gatwick in the new year, Norse has already pledged to expand its route network from Gatwick.

It is expected to operate a fleet of 10 Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft, and to sublease an additional five it has on its books. Its aircraft will feature a two-cabin Premium and Economy, configuration, with Norse offering three fares – Light, Classic and Plus.

"This milestone represents a huge step in creating competition in the transatlantic market that will benefit consumers, stimulate business travel and lead to job creation," said Norse Atlantic Airways chief executive Bjorn Tore Larsen.

"We are pleased that we will continue to deliver on our pledge to democratise transatlantic travel and we look forward expanding our point-to-point route network between London Gatwick and the US as part of our summer 2023 schedule."