Norwegian discount airline startup Norse Atlantic Airways has chosen the Sheltair Aviation complex at Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport (FXE) as its U.S. administrative headquarters, Sheltair announced Feb. 21.

Launched in May 2021, Arendal, Norway-based Norse Atlantic Airways will operate a fleet of 15 Boeing 787 airliners between points in Europe and the U.S., including Oslo, London, Paris, New York and Los Angeles. In Florida, the carrier will fly out of the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, 15 mi. south of FXE.

Norse Atlantic Airways aims to fill the gap left when low-fare carrier Norwegian Air suspended transatlantic service in 2020 and sought bankruptcy protection under Norwegian law. The new airline plans to conduct its first commercial flight in the second quarter in 2022.

“Sheltair’s initial two-year agreement with Norse Atlantic Airways offers flexibility and opportunities for expansion, trusting that the airline’s commitment to its transatlantic flyers will result in rapid growth and a positive reception from its users,” the headquarters announcement states.

Family-owned Sheltair Aviation operates 17 business aviation FBOs in Florida, Georgia, Colorado and New York. The company’s services include aircraft fueling, ground handling, hangar and office leasing and turnkey design and construction of aviation properties.

“As a new, innovative airline planning to offer affordable transatlantic flights and with a strong U.S. focus, a foothold in Florida and Fort Lauderdale will be key to our success,” Norse Atlantic Airways CEO Bjørn Tore Larsen said. “Not only is Fort Lauderdale centrally located, but it also has a smart approach to attracting new businesses to the area. In addition, we will have access to great talent that we can recruit to Team Norse’s Sheltair office.”