Norwegian Group refused permit to overfly Russia to eastern markets

Russia refused Norwegian Group a permit to operate services in Russian airspace (takeoff.dk/Dagens Naeringsliv, 10-Nov-2017). Norwegian communications manager Lasse Sandaker-Nielsen stated: "We are disappointed that Norwegian authorities have not done more to ensure that a Norwegian company has the same rights as a Swedish to fly the fastest way to China, South Korea and Japan". Norwegian CEO Bjørn Kjos, speaking on CAPA TV in Oct-2017, confirmed the airline is interested in expanding its network to eastern markets but cannot do so without overflying permits from Russia.