Norwegian is having to lease long-haul aircraft from no less than four different operators this summer, to cover transatlantic routes from Gatwick.
The routes are usually operated by the carrier’s B787-9 aircraft, but these aircraft have gradually been going in for checks related to the aircraft’s Rolls-Royce engines.
Indeed last summer Norwegian leased an A380 superjumbo from Hi-Fly for several weeks to cover its Gatwick-New York route.
The issue has been made worse by the airline having to shift Dreamliner aircraft onto its US routes from Dublin, to cover services while its B737 Max aircraft remain grounded.
According to industry website routesonline.com, Norwegian is to lease aircraft an A330-300 from Evelop Airlines to cover its Gatwick-New York JFK route from May 3, as well as an A330-200 from Wamos Air to operate flights to Denver (from today) and Chicago (from May 1).
A Hi-Fly A340-300 is already covering flights to Orlando, and likewise the Gatwick-Miami routes is currently being operated by a Privilege Style B777-200.
The Miami route is new to Norwegian, with the carrier having switched flights between to Gatwick and Fort Lauderdale to the larger Miami International last month.
In addition the carrier is leasing an A330-300 from Evelop Airlines for its Dublin-New York Stewart International service.