BUDGET flights from Gatwick to America have been launched – with passengers now able to travel to New York for as little as £149.
It was the first time that Norwegian Air's Dreamliner plane, based at Gatwick Airport, took to the skies.
The airline says it is aiming to make travel to the United States affordable for more people than ever before.
Fares to New York, one way, will start at just £149, while prices to Fort Lauderdale will start from £179 and prices to Los Angeles will start at £199.
There will be two services a week to Los Angeles, three to New York and two to Fort Lauderdale – all on the same plane.
According to Norwegian Air, Dreamliner aircraft are exceptionally fuel-efficient, allowing the low prices to be offered.
They have fewer seats to fill – 291, made up of 259 in economy and 32 in premium economy – than planes which traditionally head to the States, making direct long-haul routes more economically viable.
The Dreamliner was shown off by Stewart Wingate, CEO of London Gatwick, and Bjørn Kjos, CEO of Norwegian Air.
Mr Wingate believes that the launch of the budget flights to the States boosts Gatwick's case for a second runway.
Gatwick chiefs argue that a low-cost airline offering long-haul flights is a sign of the future.
This, the airport believes, will be a future where more of us fly directly to our destination, rather than transfer via a big, hub airport, like Heathrow.
Mr Wingate said: "Times are changing and the Airports Commission must make decisions [on where to build another runway] based on emerging trends and the way modern travellers want to fly.
"A two-runway Gatwick would meet the needs of a rapidly changing aviation market, which looks very different today than it did even ten years ago."
