Norwegian plans for the UK to be at the heart of its long haul expansion after being granted a UK operating licence.
The low cost airline, which is launching a UK subsidiary early next year, hopes to begin flights from Britain to Asia, South America and South Africa, using its eight 787 Dreamliners with a further 30 on order.
It already operates direct services from Britain to US destinations including Fort Lauderdale, New York and Los Angeles.
"The British market continues to play a major role in Norwegian’s growth," said Bjorn Kjos, Norwegian’s CEO told the Telegraph. "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."
Asgeir Nyseth, managing director of Norwegian UK, added: "With nearly 4 million passengers in the UK over the last 12 months, passengers are voting with their feet for the quality, affordable travel we offer. We are changing the face of low-cost travel by offering free on-board WiFi, state-of-the-art new aircraft and the UK’s only direct low-cost flights to America. 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."
