IAG unperturbed by Norwegian’s low-fare transatlantic service

British Airways-operator IAG seems to be completely not concerned by the cheap flights being offered by Norway’s national carrier Norwegian between London Gatwick and the United States. Recent media reports quoted IAG Chief Executive Willie Walsh as saying that the new low-fare transatlantic service announced by Norwegian between London Gatwick and the U.S. is “not significant”.

Norwegian had in October this year announced its plans that it will start operating flights from London Gatwick to New York JFK, Los Angeles and Fort Lauderdale from June 2014. The airline has also announced cheap flight deals to its customers offering tickets starting at $238* (149 GBP), excluding hold baggage or food.

Walsh however said that though the low-fare being offered by Norwegian on transatlantic routes are not significant to his company, but Norwegian will have to be on the watch as it will be facing huge challenges and keep on struggling to keep the costs low, which it is presently offering. Speaking to mediapersons, Walsh said that Norwegian will have a very small presence in the UK transatlantic market with three weekly flights to New York as compared to the 30 daily flights being currently operated by British Airways from London Heathrow. He said that the biggest challenge for Norwegian will be to demonstrate that it will continue to offer truly low fares than what is being offered by other carriers.

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