Two and a half months after Its London flights went on sale, Norse Atlantic took off from Gatwick to JFK on August 12th – and I was delighted to be on the first flight. Its launch from the UK came almost two months after its first from Oslo to JFK. And later in August, Norse Atlantic will fly from Berlin.

Norse at Gatwick

A week after flying from Gatwick to Boston for JetBlue's inaugural, I was excited to be back at the West Sussex airport for the launch of Norse Atlantic at the airport. For now, it has a 1x daily JFK service, becoming the seventh airline between London and NYC and the third from Gatwick to JFK.

It's an exciting development, with more choice and attractive fares. This is typically from a minimum of £250 return in bare-bones economy light, which only includes a personal item. However, as its winter flights from Gatwick aren't yet available, the lowest minimum return for the rest of summer is from £357 return, based on economy light. If you want a 10kg carry-on, a checked bag, and food, it's extra. As always, comparing with th other airlines is sensible to ensure you get the best deal for your needs.

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No UK AOC yet

Norse Atlantic currently has a Norwegian air operator's certificate (AOC). However, its application for a UK AOC is progressing. As such, it has no choice but to temporarily serve Gatwick using Oslo-based aircraft, routing Oslo-Gatwick-JFK and back, effectively on a fifth freedom basis.

Oslo-Gatwick-Oslo is also bookable – I'm told Oslo-Gatwick is selling well, at least in economy – and passengers can book Oslo-Gatwick-JFK. Interestingly, the flight number isn't identical: N07010 to Gatwick and N0701 to JFK.

It'll be much more straightforward and less expensive to operate when it gets its UK AOC, with no need to originate or end in Norway. It'll coincide with a Gatwick base, facilitating much growth, with eight B787s expected. No doubt various routes that Gatwick seeks, such as Los Angeles and Fort Lauderdale (Miami), will be served by Norse.

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In premium

I traveled in premium, effectively premium economy. Of course, this cabin is about extra legroom, with recliners affording 43" pitch – against 38" for BA's World Traveller Plus and Virgin's premium economy – and up to 32" for Norse's economy. There are 56 premium seats in the cabin of today's aircraft, occupying the first eight rows in a 2-3-2 layout. I was in seat 3C, by the aisle.

It's not just about extra legroom. Premium also includes priority check-in, fast-track security, quicker boarding, a carry-on bag, checked luggage, and two meal services. I'll provide a review of my experience next week.

The first flight

Today's flight was operated by LN-FNI, a 3.9-year-old B787-9. It has 338 seats, with 56 in premium and 282 in economy. Delivered in September 2018, it was initially with Norwegian UK as G-CKWN. After all, Norse's existence is driven by the exit of Norwegian from long-haul.

LN-FNI left Oslo at 09:40 on August 12th, five minutes ahead of schedule, completing the 764-mile (1,229km) route in 1h 55m. It arrived at Gatwick, its former home, at 10:35, half an hour early.

With a scheduled departure time to the US at 13:30 (or 13:40, according to the FIDS), it had a long turnaround. This wasn't just for the inaugural – with much celebration – but it helps with reliability and punctuality and is perhaps slot related. It's also because there's a crew change, with the pilots UK-based ahead of the new AOC.

Perhaps ominously, it boarded from gate 13 at Gatwick. I'm not superstitious, which is just as well: I was born on Friday the 13th.

Celebration

A new route should be celebrated, even more so if it's a new route by a new airline at a new airport. Norse's inaugural at Gatwick didn't disappoint, with the carrier's CEO and management from the airport present. There were balloons, flags, cake, ribbon-cutting, presentations, and much clapping; a real party atmosphere. Having arrived, I'm staying at Moxy NYC Chelsea, well located for exploring the fantastic city.

What do you make of Norse? Let us know in the comments.