Gatwick has signed a new commercial deal with Norwegian allowing the airline to continue expanding at the Sussex airport.
Norwegian started flying from Gatwick in 2009 and opened a base at the airport for the first time for summer 2013 offering 25 destinations.
The carrier is planning to expand its Gatwick routes to 33 in 2014 including three long-haul services using Boeing 787 Dreamliners to New York, Los Angeles and Fort Lauderdale.
As part of the new agreement, Gatwick is promising to “provide a better outcome in terms of the quality of airport facilities, service levels and price”.
Gatwick’s CEO Stewart Wingate called the partnership with Norwegian a “landmark” in the airport’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.
Norwegian plans to increase the number of aircraft based at Gatwick from four to six in 2014.
CEO Bjorn Kjos added: “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 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.”
norwegian.com/uk