Norwegian commences first of three US launches

Norwegian Air will commence its first flights from Gatwick to the US today, the first in a string of three new launches.

The low-cost carrier will start services from the London airport to Los Angeles today which will operate twice a week on Wednesdays and Sundays.

The starting fare of GBP199 one-way has sent a buzz around the industry for lowering the cost of travelling to the States, although the number does not include a bag and food.

The airline’s fares include the ‘experience’ of flying on a Boeing 787 Dreamliner; a 31-inch seat; a personal entertainment system and snack ordering by touchscreen. An ‘Add Plus’ package can be purchased for GBP35 that includes breakfast, dinner, seat reservation and one piece of baggage.

When announcing the routes back in October, the airline’s CEO Bjorn 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.”

Francine Sheridan, director Europe and Middle East at Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board told Travel Daily: “With the arrival of Norwegian into Los Angeles International Airport we are delighted to welcome another carrier from the UK into the city and the new Tom Bradley International Terminal at LAX. In addition to the daily flights from Heathrow, London Gatwick as another departure point from London will provide UK travellers with even more reason and opportunity to visit Los Angeles and help us achieve our annual visitation goal of 50 million international and domestic visitors by 2020.”

On Thursday the carrier will launch services from Gatwick to New York JFK operating three times a week, then on Friday services from Gatwick to Fort Lauderdale will start operating twice a week.

Both these routes will also be run by a Boeing 787 Dreamliner.

Stewart Wingate, CEO of Gatwick Airport has called the new flights a ‘game changer’.