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Norwegian plots global low-cost long-haul growth

Norwegian has outlined future global growth plans on the back of increasing demand for low-cost long haul flights.

Europe’s third largest budget carrier has flown three million long-haul passengers between Europe and the US in the three years since its transatlantic services began in 2013.

The airline started flights from Scandinavia to the US in May 2013, followed by services from Gatwick in July 2014.

The airline now runs 37 routes between Europe and the US with a steady load factor of at least 90%, rising to 96% in August.

Las Vegas becomes the eighth transatlantic destination served from Gatwick next month with flights starting at £179 one way.

Norwegian has a long-term ambition of establishing a seamless global operation, using the same aircraft on both US and other long-haul routes to potential new markets such as Asia, Africa and South America.

Having obtained a UK operating license, the airline can access key bilateral traffic rights to other markets.

Chief execcutive Bjorn Kjos said: “Three million passengers in three years shows the huge demand for affordable long-haul travel.

Our low-cost long haul flights are now the driving force behind Norwegian’s growth but this is only the beginning.

“We will continue to offer passengers affordable transatlantic flights, with new routes and increased flights from the UK, but in the future we also have ambitious plans to spread our long-haul wings into other global destinations.”

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