Gatwick Airport: Norwegian CEO on why Gatwick needs to expand

Bjørn Kjos, CEO Norwegian:

"A new UK Government is now in place, so a decision is imminent on whether Gatwick or Heathrow airport will get the support to expand with an extra runway.

"As one of the fastest growing airlines at the airport, Norwegian is very supportive of Gatwick's runway expansion plan, which would mean the airport could offer even better operating facilities for any aircraft type in the future.

"Norwegian has quickly become a major player at London Gatwick. We opened a crew base there in 2013 and now have several hundred pilots and cabin crew members based there for our short haul operation. In addition, last year we established a long-haul base at London Gatwick.

"Norwegian has carried more than three million passengers to and from London Gatwick during 2014 and has 45 routes operating from the airport.

"In July 2014, Norwegian became the only airline offering low-cost flights between the UK and the US.

"Only Gatwick's flexibility and lower landing charges have allowed us to break into a transatlantic market that for far too long has been dominated by a few large airlines offering unreasonably high fares and restricted ticket flexibility.

"We believe our success on these routes proves that an airline offering quality flights at a low fare has been long awaited.

"I wish to express my clear support for Gatwick Airport - I believe it is the right choice for airlines, for passengers, and for the industry as a whole."

Bjørn Kjos, CEO Norwegian - http://www.norwegian.com/uk/