Airline pledges 150 new planes if Gatwick gets second runway

Norwegian CEO Bjorn Kjos made the announcement and ‘strongly’ backed Gatwick’s expansion bid at The Aviation Club today (March 17).

He said: “This isn’t just for selfish commercial reasons - in my view Gatwick is the only choice that will actually deliver what the whole industry needs.

“Clearly Heathrow is a world-class airport but when we look at how the industry is changing and what it needs in the future - lower landing charges and more capacity for low-cost growth, greater competition, more point-to-point travel – it is clear that Gatwick is the best choice.”

Stewart Wingate, Gatwick CEO said: “This is by far the most significant and positive intervention by an airline in the expansion debate to date.

“Norwegian’s ambitious plans will continue the low cost long haul revolution for UK passengers delivering significantly cheaper long haul fares and more choice for generations to come.

“Norwegian recognises that Gatwick expansion can actually happen and would deliver a step change in capacity at a price everyone can afford.

“The UK must realise the potential of expansion and unlock the full benefits of competition by choosing a second runway at Gatwick.”

Norwegian is Gatwick’s third largest airline and currently has more than 260 new aircraft on order including 30 Dreamliners.

A Gatwick spokesman said: “This new fleet would allow Norwegian to continue the low cost long haul revolution – which has already resulted in new services from Gatwick to New York, Los Angeles, Fort Lauderdale, Oakland (San Francisco), and Boston – by reaching destinations in more established and emerging markets.

“The larger fleet would also see Gatwick linking even more strongly to the nations and regions of the UK.”

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