Norwegian and London Gatwick sign landmark long term commercial partnership

Norwegian and UK's London Gatwick Airport signed (28-Nov-2013) a seven year partnership contract, with the carrier planning to open several new routes at the airport in the future, including long-haul routes. Norwegian started UK operations at Gatwick in 2009, moving‎ from Stansted Airport. In 2013, nearly two million Norwegian passengers were handled at the airport, with service to 25 destinations across Europe. In 2014, the carrier's network at the airport will increase to 33 destinations across Europe and North America. Norwegian has also based four aircraft at Gatwick, with a further two aircraft planned for summer 2014. Part of their exciting plans for 2014 include the introduction of 'game changing' trans-Atlantic routes to New York, Los Angeles and Fort Lauderdale direct from Gatwick. The airline will be using Boeing 787 aircraft for these routes. The commercial agreement comes just weeks after the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) proposed to endorse Gatwick's approach to creating bespoke commercial arrangements between its airlines and the airport. Norwegian CEO Bjørn Kjos said: "Norwegian is delighted to have agreed a long term commercial partnership with London Gatwick. As one of the fastest growing airlines at the airport, Norwegian will continue offering our passengers at Gatwick an increasing route network and a high quality product at reasonable fares. We are particularly excited about the potential to serve long haul routes, and we have already announced the first three routes from London Gatwick to the US. Norwegian is very supportive of Gatwick's runway expansion plan which would mean that the airport could offer even better operating facilities in the future." London Gatwick CEO Stewart Wingate added: "This partnership with Norwegian is a landmark in London Gatwick's history. Four years after the end of the BAA monopoly at Gatwick, this deal marks the start of a new era for passengers bringing more competition to the aviation market. It will mean that passengers travelling with Norwegian will experience even more choice, lower fares and higher customer standards. So this is great news for passengers and UK businesses travelling to Europe and North America.This partnership deal also shows the shared vision and commitment both Norwegian and Gatwick have for London and the South East which is the largest, most exciting and vibrant travel market in the world. That commitment extends to Norwegian's support for Gatwick's need to build an additional runway by the mid-2020s."[more - original PR - Norwegian] [more - original PR - Gatwick] [more - original PR - Norwegian]