Norwegian Air International (Dublin International) could launch operations with flights from Dublin International to Bangkok Suvarnabhumi using its growing fleet of B787-8s. According to the Irish Times, the flights could begin as early as next year but are still subject to official confirmation.
While the carrier says the route does appear to have demand, aviation analysts view the Norwegian (Oslo Gardermoen) subsidiary's move as a means of placating American opposition to its application for a foreign carrier permit.
US legacy carriers, politicians and trade unions all claim that the Dublin International-based carrier would not be used to serve the Irish market but, in effect, is being used as a "flag of convenience". They claim access to more flexible Irish labour laws would allow the airline to undercut the competition on its proposed long-haul routes from Madrid Barajas and London Gatwick to the United States.
