The news that Norse Atlantic Airways will start operating from Gatwick Airport next year is a much needed boost for the UK aviation industry, as the sector navigates its way out of the pandemic, Unite the union said today (Tuesday 17 August).

The airline, with its business model of being a low cost inter-continental operator, is expected to hire former employees of Norwegian Air Resources UK Limited which stopped its UK operations earlier this year.

Unite regional officer Claire Simpson said: “It is a much needed boost for Gatwick Airport in particular and the UK aviation sector generally which is still going through a torrid time economically because of the continuing uncertainty surrounding international travel.

“Norse Atlantic Airways is looking to start operations next year and this will be a vital opportunity for former Norwegian Air Resources employees, many of them Unite members, who were made redundant in January.

“It is also positive for the local economy as it will be generating employment at Gatwick through ground services and other suppliers, as well as adding to the footfall through the airport, when there has been little to cheer about at the airport recently.

“Unite met with Norse Atlantic Airways last week and is set to agree a timetable for further discussions on the collective bargaining agreements for our members following the signing of the recognition agreement earlier this year.”

ENDS 

Notes to editors:

For more information please contact Unite senior communications officer Shaun Noble on 020 3371 2060 or 07768 693940. Unite press office is on:  020 3371 2065.

Please note the numbers above are for journalists’ enquiries only.

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Unite is Britain and Ireland’s largest union with members working across all sectors of the economy. The general secretary is Len McCluskey.