More than 1,000 have applied for a job – E24

At the beginning of October, the investor and heir to the aircraft surprised Erik G. Braathen with the news that he will start an airline.

The news came on the same day that the Hungarian low-cost giant Wizz Air announced its entry into the Norwegian domestic market.

Along with a group of seasoned pilots, including several former Norwegian leaders, Braathen is now working to get the first plane in the air before summer break next year.

The main focus is the national routes in Norway, as well as the important routes between Norway, Scandinavia and Europe.

Now Braathen comes with a little project status update:

Last week, the company submitted the formal application for an air license (AOC – Air Operator Certificate) to the Civil Aviation Authority. All airlines must have an AOC in order to operate.

However, it is not yet entirely clear what the airline will be called, as reported by E24.

On Friday, October 30, a meeting was held with the Civil Aviation Authority where the authorities updated the company’s plans.

– I am very satisfied with the progress in the work with the airline, and I am especially grateful for the reception in the industry, says Erik G. Braathen in a statement to E24.

Hunting for investors

However, there are more pieces than the approval of the authorities that must be in place. First of all, it’s about capital.

At present, a dialogue with potential investors is being established, according to E24.

As E24 wrote in early October, the newly created company has requested up to 1.5 billion in state aid for start-up, from the crisis aid boat the state has put on the table for Norwegian aviation.

Braathen himself has said that he is willing to join the company with 50 million, but in total at least one billion crowns are needed, the request to the authorities must be believed.

When it comes to airplanes, Braathen has already said that he will use either the Airbus A320 or the Boeing 737.

It is not yet clear which aircraft they end up with, but what is clear is that “Braathen Air” does not negotiate with the leasing companies, but directly with the aircraft manufacturers:

“The company is in dialogue with Boeing and Airbus and will shortly decide the type of aircraft for the operation,” writes Braathen.

This is not an unusual procedure. In 2018, Airbus SAS helped prepare an “express delivery” of its new A320neo aircraft. This was done, inter alia, by leasing aircraft from SAS to leasing companies that had already ordered aircraft from Airbus.

Many want a job

Although the new airline has no name yet, they have opened it via the nyttflyselskap.no website for job application registration.

In an aviation in full crisis of the crown, and characterized by large reductions in personnel and numerous layoffs, the applications have been useful.

More than 1,000 applications have been received from people wanting to work for the airline, and more than 500 pilots are said to have applied for jobs.

– We are happy that so many get in touch and want to be part of the team. These are apps from people with very relevant knowledge and a lot of experience, says Braathen.

Read more about Erik G. Braathen’s new company: