Flights to the Big Apple for under £200 with first transatlantic budget airline
The first transatlantic budget airline in decades took off yesterday promising to shake-up services between the UK and US.
Norwegian Air launched its first flight from London’s Gatwick Airport to Los Angeles and will today begin services to New York.
It says one-way fares to New York will be as low as £179, though its website prices for the peak summer season start at £329.
Gatwick hopes the service will strengthen its hand in its efforts to secure a new runway for the capital ahead of rival Heathrow.
Airport chief Stewart Wingate said: “A low-cost carrier flying to the Big Apple for a small price shows how fast aviation is changing and highlights one of a series of future trends that will have a huge bearing on the UK’s runways debate.”
Norwegian is using a fleet of fuel efficient Boeing 787 Dreamliners.
Airline chief Bjorn Kjos added: “In order to compete in the global airline industry you need to adapt to changes and keep a constant focus on cost. Norwegian has a low-cost model, meaning a lean administration, brand-new and fuel-efficient aircraft, and efficient operations.”