A “landmark” seven-year commercial deal has been struck between Gatwick and European low fares carrier Norwegian to support the airlines’s expansion plans from the airport – including backing for a second runway.
The agreement comes just weeks after the Civil Aviation Authority proposed to endorse Gatwick’s approach to creating bespoke commercial arrangements between its airlines and the airport.
Norwegian is to start low-cost transatlantic services to New York, Los Angeles and Fort Lauderdale using Boeing 787 Dreamliners next summer in addition to an increased European network.
The number of destinations served by the airline from Gatwick will rise to 33 in 2014 with six aircraft based at the airport. This will see Norwegian become one of the top four airlines at the airport next year.
Gatwick chief executive Stewart Wingate described the deal as a “landmark” in 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,” he said.
“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 southeast 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.”
The airline’s chief executive Bjørn Kjos said: “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.”