Norwegian and London Gatwick sign landmark long term commercial partnership

• Commercial deal will see Norwegian grow at Gatwick
• Gatwick’s ‘Commitments’ framework will provide a better outcome in terms of the quality of airport facilities, service levels and price
• New deal will support Norwegian’s expansion plans at Gatwick which include long haul services to the US and new European routes next year

Norwegian and Gatwick are delighted to announce a long term commercial partnership that will see the airline grow its business at the airport.

Norwegian started UK operations at Gatwick in 2009, moving‎ from Stansted Airport. This year nearly two million of their passengers will use the airport flying to 25 destinations across Europe. Next year this 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 the Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft which allows it to offer highly competitive fares. This level of commitment to Gatwick will see the airline become one of the top four airlines at the airport next year.

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. Gatwick’s Commitments framework significantly reduces the heavy regulatory burden on the airlines and airport whilst protecting passenger interests. Specifically, it allows the airport to offer win-win reductions in competitive charges and tailored service offerings in return for a growth commitment from its airlines.

Bjørn Kjos, CEO of Norwegian, 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.”

Stewart Wingate, CEO of London Gatwick, said: “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.”