Low cost carrier Norwegian Air has promised to end to "unreasonably high" transatlantic air fares as it launches its third scheduled US departure from London today.
Following maiden flights from London Gatwick to Los Angeles and New York this week, Norwegian takes to the skies with its first flight to Fort Lauderdale, Florida from the UK.
Norwegian CEO Bjorn Kjos said he aims to put an end to the dominance of a few major carriers and make transatlantic air travel affordable again for all.
"We are very happy with the response to our service in the UK market with several fully booked flights in the coming months," Kjos said.
"We believe this proves that an airline offering quality flights at a low fare has been long awaited."
Norwegian operates Gatwick to Los Angeles and Fort Lauderdale flights twice weekly and three times a week to New York.
The airline’s website is offering Fort Lauderdale-Gatwick flights at under $350 one way in July.
Seat reservations, luggage and in-flight food and drinks will cost extra.
The flights are being operated by parent company Norwegian Air Shuttle, while its proposed offshore subsidiary Norwegian Air International, based in Ireland, still awaits authority to fly by US authorities.
Norwegian says even if NAI is refused a US permit to fly, Norwegian Air Shuttle will continue operating the service as it has existing authority to run scheduled air services in and out of the US.
Speaking to the Wall Street Journal, Kjos hopes to add to its Dreamliner fleet with an extra 20 Boeing 787-9 aircraft ready for delivery after 2018, and that London Gatwick would be a key part of its future plans.
