Norwegian Unveils Long-Haul Ambitions

In an announcement made on Wednesday, the carrier not only revealed that it has commenced a direct LGW-EZE service, but said that the route marks a “milestone” for Norwegian, which aims to offer further international flights from London in the future. This will bring it into competition with BA.

Low-cost carrier British Airways by revealing its plans to launch an array of long-haul routes from London, the Telegraph reports.

In a statement on Wednesday, Norwegian announced that it has commenced a direct London Gatwick (LGW) to Buenos Aires service. Prior to Norwegian’s announcement, BA was the only other carrier to offer direct flights to the Argentinian capital.

In addition to being the low-cost carrier’s first South American route, Norwegian CEO Bjorn Kjos indicated that the introduction of this service marked something of a watershed moment for Norwegian. “Today we have marked the start of our new expansion into South America by bringing a taste of Argentina to London Gatwick. I am delighted to bring our high quality long-haul flights to another continent as we launch the only direct flight from London Gatwick to Buenos Aires, giving leisure and business passengers affordable access to South America,” he said.

Further explaining, Kjos added, “Our first flight to Buenos Aires from the UK marks another milestone for Norwegian. As our first South American route takes off, it is also a first step towards ambitious plans for international and domestic growth in Argentina, ahead of flights to Chicago and Austin from London Gatwick next month.”

Offering his comments, Stewart Wingate, CEO of LGW, said, “The launch of Norwegian’s first ever South American route is another exciting landmark in Gatwick’s ongoing mission to connect the UK to more and more long-haul destinations. The airport now offers 63 long-haul connections – with many, including Buenos Aires, operated by low-cost carriers – making Gatwick the busiest departure airport for low-cost long-haul services in the world.”

As an adjunct to this news, the outlet also reports that the carrier is to acquire its very first Airbus by 2020, a purchase that will enable it to further expand its long-haul ambitions.

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