Norwegian’s UK expansion cleared for take-off in its biggest year ever

Low-cost airline Norwegian is ready to take-off its biggest year ever, with the introduction of brand new aircraft, exclusive new routes – including its first long-haul flights outside the USA – and more affordable flights on the UK’s only direct low-cost transatlantic services.

Europe’s third largest low-cost airline will continue its success in 2017 by expanding its young aircraft fleet with nine brand new Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft and launching Boeing’s latest aircraft, the Boeing 737 MAX. These new aircraft will unlock more affordable flights and never before seen routes while offering UK passengers, high-quality travel at great value.

Norwegian last year, carried more than 4.5 million passengers from London, Manchester, Edinburgh, and Birmingham airports. The fast growing airline launched more than 10 new routes from the UK, including routes to Boston, Oakland-San Francisco and Las Vegas on its award-winning USA flights at a time when Norwegian flew more than four million passengers to and from Gatwick for the first time in a single year.

With 2017 set to be Norwegian’s busiest ever year, here are five developments to expect:

1. Norwegian’s first low-cost long-haul routes outside the US – Following the success of Norwegian’s affordable flights to the US, the airline plans to continue its long-haul expansion with new low-cost routes to other global markets and destinations. Norwegian plans to announce its first non-US long-haul routes later this year once plans are finalised.
2. New transatlantic routes from more UK cities using Boeing’s newest aircraft – Norwegian will become the first European airline to fly the new Boeing 737 MAX this summer to kickstart a new era in transatlantic travel. These single aisle aircraft can fly longer distances, offering customers potential never before seen routes from Europe to the east coast of the US at very attractive fares.Norwegian plans to announce a series of transatlantic routes from UK cities to the US east coast early in 2017.
3. Increased flights from London to the USA giving consumers greater choice – This summer, Norwegian will expand its award-winning USA flights by 55 per cent to offer 34 direct flights per week from Gatwick. This includes double daily services to New York and a daily service to Los Angeles in addition to increases on the popular Oakland-San Francisco, Orlando and Ft. Lauderdale routes.
4. More state-of-the-art aircraft joining Norwegian’s long-haul fleet – Norwegian’s first Boeing 787-9 aircraft arrived at Gatwick in 2016, with nine more 787-9 Dreamliners landing in Norwegian’s fleet this year. These state-of-the-art aircraft will continue servicing direct affordable flights to the USA, offering all economy and Premium passengers’ inflight entertainment and reduced effects of jet lag.
5. New job opportunities for a high-flying career with Norwegian – Norwegian’s UK growth is stimulating increased job opportunities for pilots and cabin crew as the airline will take delivery of more than 30 aircraft this year. Each aircraft will create up to 23 pilot jobs and 70 cabin crew roles.

Thomas Ramdahl, Chief Commercial Officer at Norwegian said: “Norwegian has seen rapid UK growth and this year will be no different. Through exciting new routes and even more low-cost USA flights at affordable fares, we will enhance the travel choices for UK consumers at a time when cost and great value are more important than ever. With more new aircraft servicing brand new routes we will continue delivering and expanding upon our high quality service in the skies.”

4 January 2017

Photo: copyright © Norwegian