Norwegian is continuing to chip away at Ryanair’s dominance of the low-cost sector, and BA by hitting the long distance market. This time? Rio de Janeiro.
Direct flights from Gatwick to Rio de Janeiro–Galeão International Airport, are priced at from £170 one-way for an economy ticket and £449 for a premium ticket. Flights will be operated using the Boeing 787 Dreamliner.
The move by Norwegian breaks the monopoly held on the route from Gatwick by British Airways who currently charge £1593 for an economy one-way ticket to Rio.
Flight Details and Times
A convenient flight schedule will also offer Norwegian customers in both Europe and Brazil opportunities to connect via the carrier’s short-haul network of European flights. Outbound flights depart London at 12:00, arriving in Rio de Janeiro at 19:25 and the inbound flights depart Rio de Janeiro 22:25 arriving 13:35 at Gatwick Airport.
What They Said
Bjorn Kjos, Chief Executive Officer at Norwegian said: “We are delighted to continue to make travelling to South America affordable for all with our new service to Brazil. Our route to Rio de Janeiro breaks the monopoly on direct flights between the UK and Brazil and builds upon our expanding services to South America.
“Our extensive network from London Gatwick will give both leisure and business travellers more choice and flexibility when flying with Norwegian on our long-haul routes. Our modern fleet of aircraft allow customers to enjoy their trip from the moment they step on board by flying in modern more environmentally friendly and fuel-efficient aircraft.”
His Excellency Fred Arruda, the Ambassador of Brazil to the United Kingdom added: “This new flight will bring Brazil and the United Kingdom even closer together.
“Brazil is known for its wonders and the hospitality of its people and Brazilians across the country wait for British visitors with open arms.”
Stephen King, Head of Airline Relations, Gatwick Airport also said: “This new route further strengthens Gatwick’s connections to South America continuing our long-standing precedent of championing competition and opening up new destinations and price points for our passengers.
“Brazil further increases Gatwick’s network to the business opportunities provided by the BRIC country economies. While Brazil’s biodiversity, beaches and mountains are famed the world over – making this a highly desirable location for both our business and leisure passengers.
“Today’s new connection is the latest demonstration of the wider trend we are seeing at Gatwick of our airlines increasing frequencies and launching new routes”.
The airline has also announced that it will be adding flights to San Fransisco and Miami for the summer season from Gatwick.
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