Wizz Air has applied to the US Department of Transportation (DOT) for permission to fly between the UK and the US – a long-anticipated move that could open the door to cheaper transatlantic travel.
The European low-cost airline’s UK arm has asked the US Department of Transportation (DOT) for a foreign air carrier permit, allowing it to operate both scheduled and charter services across the Atlantic
For now, Wizz Air says it plans to focus on passenger charter services, with flights varying depending on seasonal demand.
However, the airline is also seeking the full range of rights available under the US-UK Open Skies Agreement.
This would give Wizz Air the flexibility to launch scheduled services in the future without needing to go back through the approval process.
The airline has also requested that its application be fast tracked so it can begin charter flights as soon as possible.
If approved, the move could eventually bring lower fares to long-haul routes that have traditionally been dominated by full service airlines, as well as more choice for travellers used to Wizz’s low-cost model.
The airline said gaining regulatory approval would lead to ‘greater travel choices, more service options and increased competition’, benefiting passengers in both the UK and the US, as reported by Business Travel News Europe.
In a move that could shake up long-haul travel for budget flyers, Wizz Air has applied to the US Department of Transportation (DOT) for permission to fly between the UK and the US
Wizz Air’s UK fleet currently includes 21 Airbus A321 aircraft, including three A321XLRs capable of flying transatlantic routes.
While no routes or start dates have been confirmed, the application itself marks a major step towards Wizz Air entering the UK-US market.
It comes after the airline recently launched a new ‘business class’-style ticket for passengers, offering premium features for an additional fee.
‘Wizz Class’ perks include the ability to block off the middle seat for more elbow space and leg room, priority boarding, two cabin bags and a complimentary snack and non-alcoholic drink onboard.
After a trial was carried out in December, the service is available for purchase on the selected flights to and from Budapest, Bucharest Otopeni, Warsaw, London Luton, London Gatwick and Rome Fiumicino.
When a customer chooses Wizz Class, one of the middle seats closer to them (1B and 1E) will be reserved on their flights.
As the first row also includes extra legroom, the service will ensure more space and comfort to relax or work while flying in the efficient, single-class cabin.
The product is available as an add-on when booking Smart and Plus seats. According to the airline, Wizz Class uses dynamic pricing, starting from 50 Euros (around £43).
If approved, the new route could bring lower transatlantic fares and more choice for travellers used to Wizz’s ultra-low-cost model
These bundles include priority boarding with a 10 kg carry-on suitcase.
With additional Wizz Class service, passengers will also get a booked middle seat and a complimentary non-alcoholic drink and snack.
Silvia Mosquera, commercial officer at Wizz Air, said: ‘Business travel is growing across our network, and we’ve listened to what our passengers want.
‘They’re asking for a bit more space and speed, but they don’t want to pay legacy airline prices for business class.’
