Low-cost carrier Norwegian has been granted a UK operating licence by the CAA which could allow it to add flights to Asia, South America and South Africa.
The licence opens up the UK’s bilateral traffic rights to Norwegian, which already operates services from the UK to the US, and could lead to a major expansion of long-haul routes.
The airline plans to start operating under the new licence as Norwegian UK during the first three months of 2016.
Norwegian CEO Bjorn Kjos said: “The British market continues to play a major role in Norwegian’s growth. Securing a UK Operating License is great news and an important step to get a stronger foothold in the UK as we plan for further expansion, new routes and new jobs.”
Asgeir Nyseth, managing director of Norwegian UK, added: “With the door now unlocked for new routes and further growth, we look forward to offering UK passengers a range of exciting new destinations in the future.”
Norwegian plans to quadruple its current long-haul fleet through an order to buy 19 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners which will increase the number of aircraft to 38 by 2020.