The FINANCIAL -- Low-cost airline Norwegian continues the expansion of its groundbreaking low-cost long-haul network by launching the UK’s only direct flights to Oakland, California just in time for the summer.

From 12 May, Europe’s third largest low-cost airline commences the new year-round service offering the cheapest direct flights to the West Coast with fares available from £159 one way. Three weekly flights will depart Gatwick serviced by state-of-the-art Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft which feature two cabins – Premium and economy.

Oakland-San Francisco becomes Norwegian’s seventh US destination from Gatwick following the recent successful launch of direct flights to Boston. Oakland has emerged as a top travel destination of choice for recreational and business travel with over 2.6 million people visiting the city annually. The new flights provide Brits with a cheaper gateway to the Bay Area and the West Coast with direct public transportation routes to other Bay Area destinations including San Francisco with journey times of just 35 minutes from Oakland International Airport, according to Norwegian.

Thomas Ramdahl, Chief Commercial Officer at Norwegian said: “Over half a million UK passengers have flown transatlantic with Norwegian and now we’re putting on even more great value flights to the US. With direct low-cost services to Oakland and LA on the west coast and New York and Boston on the east, passengers can also consider fly-drive options with our affordable one way fares. We’re continuing to provide Brits with cheaper and easier access to more parts of the US by flying passengers in high-quality comfort in the newest aircraft.”

Mark Everton, CEO & President of Visit Oakland said: “Direct flights between Oakland and Gatwick will bring new experiences to travellers from both Oakland and London. We welcome all UK visitors and encourage them to take part in our hot culinary scene, booming tech industry, and the diversity that makes Oakland a trending destination. We’re excited that Oakland International Airport is the most convenient airport for the international traveller, providing easy access to Oakland and the rest of the Bay Area.”

Guy Stephenson, ‎Chief Commercial Officer at Gatwick Airport said: “The addition of direct flights from Gatwick to Oakland near San Francisco with Norwegian demonstrates yet again the success of low-cost long-haul air travel and the benefits for passengers seeking great value travel. Now passengers can explore even more of the West Coast of the US for less while British businesses will have even greater business opportunities in California.”

Norwegian has put on sale a record 425,000 transatlantic seats from Gatwick this summeras the airline continues to introduce brand new larger Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft that offer 344 seats.

The new 787-9 Dreamliners service all seven Norwegian long-haul routes from Gatwick including Oakland to New York, Los Angeles, Boston, Orlando, Ft. Lauderdale and a low-cost Caribbean route to Puerto Rico – which resumes on 2 November.

Passengers using Norwegian’s website can now book airport transfers to and from Gatwick Airport with the option to travel by taxi, private transfers, chauffeurs, limousines, trains and buses for direct connections to a designated address.