Norwegian to launch low-cost transatlantic flights from Gatwick
Norwegian is the first low cost airline to announce the launch of non-stop transatlantic flights from London. It will operate three services from Gatwick to New York, Los Angeles and Florida from next summer.
Starting in July 2014, the airline will fly to JFK, Los Angeles and Fort Lauderdale with fares starting from £149 one-way, including taxes and charges.
Gatwick welcomed the news saying that fares would be, on average, up to 50% cheaper than fares flights from Heathrow.
Gatwick CEO Stewart Wingate said: "This is one of the most exciting route developments since Gatwick’s change of ownership four years ago and shows the benefits to passengers of Gatwick competing with Heathrow on routes, price and service."
Flights to New York will lead in at £149, Fort Lauderdale flights will cost from £179 and passengers to Los Angeles will be able to bag seats from just £199.
Norwegian’s CEO Bjørn Kjos said: "There’s great demand for high quality flights at a low fare between the UK and the US, particularly to and from London Gatwick, where no other airline currently offers these routes. We are looking forward to welcoming many new customers on board our brand new aircraft. Launching intercontinental routes between London Gatwick and the United States is also an important part of our strategy to expand internationally and get a stronger foothold in markets outside Scandinavia."
Since its move to Gatwick from Stansted in 2009, Norwegian has increased its flights from the airport by more than a third. In spring 2013, it introduced a UK base at Gatwick and started 12 new direct European routes.
From July 2, Norwegian will offer two flights a week to Los Angeles and a thrice weekly service will start to New York on July 3, followed by a twice weekly service to Florida on July 4.
All routes will be operated on the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, which will offer 291 seats including 259 in economy and 32 in premium.
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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