Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) president, Lee Moak said “Today’s decision puts the Norwegian Air International scheme on hold, but it doesn’t end the threat it poses to fair competition and U.S. aviation jobs. The DOT must heed the call made from so many in Congress from both sides of the aisle, labor groups on both sides of the Atlantic, and the European Commission’s own labor-management organization and deny NAI’s application for a U.S. foreign air carrier permit.” 

In a statement released Norwegian Air said "Norwegian urges DOT to expedite its review and issue NAI’s foreign carrier permit fly to the U.S. – once and for all.  Today’s announcement to dismiss the exemption application “on procedural grounds,” simply gives DOT additional time to consider NAI’s permit application. It is not a denial. Norwegian Air Shuttle already holds a permit to fly between Europe and the U.S., and Norwegian Air Shuttle’s existing operations to the U.S. are not affected by today’s announcement.

“While we think it is unfortunate that DOT feels the need to further delay issuance of our permit, which has been pending now for over six months, Norwegian Air International stands behind its business – from its pilots and cabin crew to its affordable fare model to its desire to bring competition to the transatlantic market – and looks forward to receiving approval to operate without further delay,” said Asgeir Nyseth, CEO of NAI.