AFFORDABLE long-haul transatlantic flights could be revived at Gatwick.

Norwegian Air Shuttle has launched services from the airport using their new Dreamliner aircraft which will run to the USA.

The aircraft which the company has branded “game-changing” enables them to offer flights to New York, Los Angeles and Fort Lauderdale.

The company boasts holidaymakers and commuters will have fares starting from £149 for a single.

Stewart Wingate, CEO of London Gatwick, said: “Norwegian’s launch of low cost services to the US clearly demonstrates the game-changing nature of the Dreamliner.

"The new generation of long haul aircraft have fewer seats and are therefore less reliant on transfer passengers. This is yet another example of how the importance of transfer traffic will continue to decline.

“Times are changing and the Airports Commission must make decisions based on emerging trends and the way modern travellers want to fly.

"A two-runway Gatwick would meet the needs of a rapidly changing aviation market, which looks very different today than it did even ten years ago. All of the signs point to Gatwick being the obvious choice for expansion.”

Bjørn Kjos, CEO of Norwegian Air Shuttle, said: “We are delighted to launch our US services from London Gatwick this week.

"A more competitive transatlantic market can only be good news for passengers, in the same way competition between airports in London leads to more choice and better service.

"To meet the demands of all passengers in the future, and ensure an excellent choice of routes and fares, a new runway must be built at Gatwick.”