Norwegian outlines ‘full commitment’ to British market
Low-cost long-haul carrier Norwegian has promised new routes, more frequency and newest Dreamliners for UK, which it says is one of its most important markets.
Norwegian CEO Bjorn Kjos was speaking in London ahead of the launch of Norwegian’s Gatwick-Buenos Aires service, which starts on February 14.
After that, the airline will launch new direct services to Chicago and Austin in March.
Norwegian will continue to pursue further route expansion from London to South America and Asia.
Further Asia expansion will build upon the successful launch of the world’s longest low-cost route to Singapore with destinations such as Tokyo, Shanghai and Beijing planned if the airline receives access to the Siberian corridor.
In addition, eight brand-new Airbus A321neo LR will land in Norwegian’s fleet in 2019 and will serve the UK from 2020.
Cities such as Detroit, Philadelphia and Minneapolis are being considered on these new aircraft. Routes to the Middle East are also another option.
In addition, 10-brand new Dreamliners due to enter the fleet in 2018, will feature the new expanded 56-seat Premium cabin, which will replace the current Gatwick-based Dreamliner fleet, giving UK passengers more premium seats and brand-new aircraft.
Long-haul wi-fi will be rolled out from the end of this year and there will be a bigger focus on business passengers with increased long-haul frequencies.
Kjos said: "The UK will be at the heart of our continued global expansion and we remain fully committed to the market.
"We are launching long-haul routes exclusively from Gatwick, introducing our newest Dreamliners to Gatwick and increasing frequency on popular routes which reflects the growing importance of the UK to the future of our business.
"UK passengers will be the first to benefit from our newest routes and upgraded long-haul passenger experience.
"With plans to rollout inflight wi-fi on our long-haul flights, Norwegian will be in a better position to increasingly target business passengers as we also have plans for more exciting routes and flights to the USA, South America and Asia.
"With huge global ambitions, we’re confident that the UK can offer Norwegian a springboard to further expansion as we aim to become the long-haul airline of choice for passengers seeking a high-quality service at great value."
Lisa
Lisa joined Travel Weekly nearly 25 years ago as technology reporter and then sailed around the world for a couple of years as cruise correspondent, before becoming deputy editor. Now freelance, Lisa writes for various print and web publications, edits Corporate Traveller’s client magazine, Gateway, and works on the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife series of photography books, which raise awareness of nature’s most at-risk species and helps to fund their protection.
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