Norwegian, a low-cost long-haul airline, is planning to launch a new direct service from London Gatwick to Buenos Aires.
The airline will operate a year-round service of four weekly flights from London Gatwick to Buenos Aires Ezeiza International Airport, with fares starting from £259.90 one-way to Buenos Aires.
Norwegian CEO Bjorn Kjos said: ‘Today we have marked the start of our new expansion into South America by bringing a taste of Argentina to London Gatwick. I am delighted to bring our high quality long-haul flights to another continent as we launch the only direct flight from London Gatwick to Buenos Aires, giving leisure and business passengers affordable access to South America.
‘Our first flight to Buenos Aires from the UK marks another milestone for Norwegian. As our first South American route takes off, it is also a first step towards ambitious plans for international and domestic growth in Argentina, ahead of flights to Chicago and Austin from London Gatwick next month.’
Gatwick Airport CEO Stewart Wingate said: ‘The launch of Norwegian’s first ever South American route is another exciting landmark in Gatwick’s ongoing mission to connect the UK to more and more long-haul destinations. The airport now offers 63 long-haul connections – with many, including Buenos Aires, operated by low-cost carriers – making Gatwick the busiest departure airport for low-cost long-haul services in the world.
‘We’re going to continue breaking new ground this year and remain focused on strengthening Gatwick’s global reach at a time when worldwide connections are crucial for the UK. In fact, two new Norwegian routes to Austin and Chicago will follow the Buenos Aires service into Gatwick’s schedules next month alone.’
Norwegian’s long-haul flights from London Gatwick will be operated by a fleet of the new Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft. The new 56 seat cabin configuration will offer passengers more than a metre of legroom, complimentary meals, baggage allowance and airport lounge access, with Premium fares available from £699.90 one way.
Buenos Aires will be Norwegian’s 11th route from London Gatwick in the past four years and by the end of March, Norwegian will operate 13 direct long-haul routes following the launch of Singapore in September, Buenos Aires in February and Chicago and Austin in March 2018, the airline said.