Former Norwegian Air staff at Gatwick let go when the carrier withdrew transatlantic flights last year could be handed a lifeline with news that Norse Atlantic Airways will start flying from the airport next year.
Aviation unions greeted the move as a much needed boost for the sector as it navigates its way out of the pandemic.
The start-up low-cost long-haul airline is expected to hire former employees of Norwegian Air Resources UK when it starts operations next year.
Unite regional officer Claire Simpson said: “It is a much needed boost for Gatwick airport in particular and the UK aviation sector generally which is still going through a torrid time economically because of the continuing uncertainty surrounding international travel.
“Norse Atlantic Airways is looking to start operations next year and this will be a vital opportunity for former Norwegian Air Resources employees, many of them Unite members, who were made redundant in January.
“It is also positive for the local economy as it will be generating employment at Gatwick through ground services and other suppliers, as well as adding to the footfall through the airport, when there has been little to cheer about at the airport recently.
“Unite met with Norse Atlantic Airways last week and is set to agree a timetable for further discussions on the collective bargaining agreements for our members following the signing of the recognition agreement earlier this year.”
Pilots union Balpa welcomed plans by Norse Atlantic Airways open a base for its Boeing 787 Dreamliner operations at Gatwick next year.
Balpa confirmed was in “constructive discussions” with the airline’s executives and signed a recognition agreement earlier in the year.
National officer Terry Brandon met the carrier’s chief executive Bjørn Tore Larsen in London last week as part of progressing a new and strong working relationship.
Brandon said: “I am pleased to welcome Norse Atlantic to Gatwick. This is a strong show of confidence in the future of the travel industry in the UK. Balpa will continue to work with the airline towards making it a positive place to work from day one.”
Tore Larsen said: “Our airline values Balpa as one of our key social partners. The Association shares the same core principles in that we wish to be a career airline and an airline of choice.”
“We look forward to continuing this constructive dialogue and aim to reach a collective labour agreement when we visit Balpa’s HQ next month.”