Norwegian's low-cost network expands with the launch of Las Vegas route
Norwegian is further expanding its low-cost long-haul network (much to the annoyance of some US airlines) with the addition of Las Vegas, its eighth US destination.
From October 31, travellers will be able to fly to the ‘city of sin’ from Gatwick from only £179 one way, opening up the iconic desert city to customers of all budgets. The two-times weekly service will utilise the airline’s brand new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, with two cabins on board – premium and economy. The service will depart on Mondays and Thursdays at 12.10, arriving in Vegas at 16.00. In the opposite direction, flights will depart Las Vegas at 18.00, landing in London at 10.50 the following day.
Norwegian Chief Commercial Officer Thomas Ramdahl said: “Las Vegas is a fantastic addition to our growing transatlantic network from the UK – viva low-cost, viva Las Vegas! Norwegian is bringing more competition to the UK market, which is win-win for the customers by creating more choice and affordable fares for all. We will continue to provide Brits with low-cost and easier access to more parts of the US, while offering a high-quality service in the newest aircraft. We look forward to adding Las Vegas to our network from London Gatwick.” As the only airline to offer UK travellers low-cost flights to the US and Caribbean, Norwegian is somewhat disrupting the established long haul market, with Stewart Wingate, Gatwick CEO, commenting: “Nearly two years ago Norwegian revolutionised the UK market by starting low cost services from Gatwick to the US. No longer is the low cost long haul model an emerging trend – it is now established as the way modern travellers want to fly.” The airline is soon expected to receive a foreign air carrier permit from the U.S. government for its Irish subsidiary, Norwegian Air International (NAI), which will allow the discount airline allow to expand worldwide - something many rival airlines do not want to see happen. Whether the proposed expansion will benefit the industry as a whole remains to be seen, but one thing is for sure - the world is becoming fast becoming a smaller and more accessible place than ever before, largely thanks to Norwegian Air.