Norwegian has signed its first US charter agreements, as it continues to face US opposition to its long-haul scheduled operations.

The carrier says charter deals signed with Apple Vacations and Funjet Vacations for this winter season will allow it to use aircraft more effectively during the low travel season in Europe.

The two agreements, covering more than 600 flights, are worth $14.3 million.

Under the charter deals, Norwegian will station three Boeing 737-800s in Milwaukee and Chicago for flights to Mexico and the Caribbean from December 2016 to April 2017.

“We are very excited to expand our charter operations to the United States and partner with Apple Vacations and Funjet Vacations," says Thomas Ramdahl, chief commercial officer at Norwegian. "We look forward to having more Americans enjoy the Norwegian experience on their way to what will hopefully be a fantastic holiday.”

Norwegian is facing opposition to its plan to transfer its US scheduled flights to subsidiaries based in Ireland and the UK. US authorities have tentatively approved its Irish subsidiary, but have yet to finalise the decision.

Source: Cirium Dashboard