Norwegian Airlines to introduce three-times-weekly flights from Oakland International Airport to London Gatwick starting May 12, 2016

Oakland, CA, 2015-12-16 — /Travel PR News/ — Those with an eye on Oakland over the last few years have watched the Bay Area gem emerge as a premier destination. Oakland has been making a name for itself as a “city on the rise” across a spectrum of industries – tech, food, development, tourism, and thanks to the champion Warriors, pro basketball. In fact, a recent SF Business Times article calls Oakland “the development story of the year.”

Today, the appeal of Oakland expands its reach across the Atlantic with the unveiling of a new international flight connection. Norwegian Airlines, named the World’s Best Low-Cost Long-Haul Airline and Europe’s Best Low-Cost Airline, announces that it will introduce three-times-weekly flights from Oakland International Airport (OAK) to one of its largest European hubs – London Gatwick – beginning May 12, 2016, aboard its brand new 787 Dreamliner aircraft.

The flights will operate from Oakland International Airport, which is the San Francisco Bay Area airport closest to most of the local population, tourism and business venues. Norwegian currently flies from Oakland to Oslo, Norway, and Stockholm, Sweden. Fares for the new service are now available from as low as $299 one way, including taxes, on Norwegian.com/us.

“The U.S. is one of our key markets and we see great demand from American customers for more affordable fares to Europe, especially in California,” said Bjørn Kjos, Norwegian’s CEO.

“London is the largest European air service market from the San Francisco Bay Area,” said Kristi McKenney, Port of Oakland Acting Director of Aviation. “At last, San Francisco Bay Area residents and visitors alike will be able to fly nonstop to this top European capitol using close-in and convenient Oakland International while paying low fares and experiencing award-winning service aboard Norwegian’s Dreamliners. We’re pleased that London Gatwick will be our 50th nonstop destination, a record high in OAK’s history.”

Oakland International Airport is operated by the Port of Oakland. Earl Hamlin, President of the Board of Port Commissioners said of the new route, “On behalf of the Board of Port Commissioners, we applaud Norwegian on the announcement of their new service to London and further expansion at Oakland International Airport. It is also key that these new flights represent the only nonstop service from London’s popular Gatwick Airport to Northern California.”

About Norwegian
Norwegian currently offers 35 nonstop routes from the U.S. to London, Scandinavia and the Caribbean, providing more European routes than any other European airline. Norwegian has added 10 new routes from the U.S. to Europe this year alone, including from Las Vegas and San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Norwegian operates one of the world’s most modern and eco-friendly fleets. Last month, the International Council on Clean Transportation released a study and named Norwegian the Most Fuel-Efficient Airline on Transatlantic Routes. Two weeks ago the airline was also named Europe’s Best Low-Cost Airline by AirlineRatings.com for the second year in a row.

Learn more about the airline at www.norwegian.com.

About Oakland International Airport
Oakland International is the fourth largest airport in California and second largest in the San Francisco Bay Area. With over 11 million travelers each year, OAK is the closest airport to the region’s top tourism and entertainment venues. It is also the closest for most local residents.

The airport now offers air service to 50 destinations on 13 different airline brands – seven of which operate with OAK as their sole gateway into the San Francisco Bay region.

The vision of Oakland International Airport is to offer customers a world-class experience and be the airport of choice for Bay Area residents and visitors alike. OAK is operated by The Port of Oakland, which also oversees the Oakland seaport and 20 miles of waterfront. Together with its business partners, the Port supports more than 73,000 jobs in the region and nearly 827,000 jobs across the United States.

For up-to-the-minute departure and arrival information, airport maps, and details on shopping, dining, transportation, and more, visit www.oaklandairport.com.

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About the Port of Oakland
The Port of Oakland oversees the Oakland seaport, Oakland International Airport, and 20 miles of waterfront. Together with its business partners, the Port supports more than 73,000 jobs in the region and nearly 827,000 jobs across the United States. Connect with the Port of Oakland and Oakland International Airport through Facebook, or with the Port on Twitter, YouTube, and at www.portofoakland.com.

CONTACT:
Keonnis Taylor
OAK Aviation Marketing and Communications
510-563-2892
510-563-6500 (after hours)
keonnis.taylor@portoakland.com

SOURCE: Port of Oakland