The Port of Seattle welcomes the announcement that low-cost carrier Norwegian will begin service from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport to London’s Gatwick International Airport starting in September 2017. Norwegian is the first new international airline to announce service at Sea-Tac Airport in 2017.
Norwegian is a big player in the Pacific Northwest, having become the lead customer for Boeing’s 737-MAX along with ordering 32 787 Dreamliners. Norwegian plans on using the 787-9 on the Seattle to London route, which will be configured to have 35 premium and 309 economy cabin seats. Norwegian has garnered numerous awards including being named 2016’s “World’s Best Low-Cost Long Haul Airline” by Skytrax.
“Norwegian’s choice to serve Seattle-Tacoma International Airport is a testament to our region’s economic growth,” said Sea-Tac Airport Operations Director Michael Ehl. “Sea-Tac’s total passenger volume has grown 40 percent in just five years, and Norwegian’s Boeing 787-9 service will provide more options to travelers, as well as promote tourism and trade in the region.”
“London is an integral part of our ever-growing global route network, perfect for both business and leisure travelers,” said Thomas Ramdahl, Norwegian’s chief commercial officer. “We are excited to offer more West Coast routes for Americans who are looking for inexpensive access to London, with connections to several destinations across Europe. Noregian now offers 48 transatlantic flights from 13 U.S. cities and we are fully committed to offer Americans the most affordable non-stop fares to Europe, combined with our award-winning service. With our continuous U.S. expansion, we also bring even more tourists to the U.S. and support American jobs.”
Massive international growth at Sea-Tac
- International passenger traffic up 11 percent in 2017 (compared w/2016)
- Five new international airlines in past 12 months (Volaris, Xiamen, Eurowings, Virgin Atlantic and Norwegian)
- 16th new international service in past 10 years
- An international long-haul service generates $89 million in economic activities in our region annually
The Port of Seattle is poised to welcome more international travelers with a new International Arrivals Facility. Construction is set to start later this year and the facility is scheduled to open in late 2019. The facility will double passenger capacity, reduce connection times and increase gates capable of serving international wide body airplanes from 12 to 20. Click here to read about all of the improvements coming soon to Sea-Tac.
