A French airline running all-business class transatlantic flights is rumoured to be seeking rights to fly from Gatwick.
The Sunday Times business section Prufrock column claimed La Compagnie is seeking runway slots, citing a source at the airport.
The carrier started all-business class flights from Paris Charles de Gaulle to Newark in July using a single Boeing 757-200 six times a week.
The aircraft is configured with 74 seats which recline to almost lie-flat position.
Fares start at around $1,800 return, undercutting established premium services by more than half.
Deputy CEO Peter Luethi told USA Today: “The proposition we have now … is not to be the best business class, but the best in price point
“That obviously is very attractive to independent business travellers that don’t have the benefit of a large corporation’s discounts.
“It’s this kind of customer we try to attract (with) comfort at a reasonable price.”
Previous attempts to run all-business class services between the UK and US resulted in the failures of Silverjet, Eos and Maxjet.