London (13Jan04, 16:42 GMT, 163 words)

US regulators have formally approved Air Atlanta Icelandic’s newly-established European division to conduct transatlantic services.

Air Atlanta Icelandic set up the operation - known as Air Atlanta Europe - last year, to give it greater flexibility and allow it to operate services under its own flight code.

A US Department of Transportation (DOT) decision issued today grants an initial one-year approval for Air Atlanta Europe to carry out transatlantic charter services between the UK and the USA.

In its ruling the DOT dismisses objections from a former Air Atlanta Icelandic pilot who had argued that approval would place additional competitive strain on the US air transport industry at an already-difficult time.

The new division received its air operator’s certificate in June 2003. Air Atlanta Icelandic is transferring part of its fleet from the Icelandica to the UK register as the European division develops.

Air Atlanta Europe, based at London Gatwick, counts airlines such as Virgin Atlantic and Excel Airways among its charter customers.


Source: Air Transport Intelligence news