Low-cost carrier Norwegian Air continues its global expansion with the launch of its first route from London Gatwick (LGW) to Asia. The London–Singapore (SIN) route is now the world’s longest operated by a low-cost carrier, covering 6,764 miles using a brand-new, state-of-the-art Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner.

Travellers can fly direct, one-way to Singapore from Gatwick four times a week for £149.90.

“Singapore is one of the world’s premier destinations and is a significant addition to Gatwick’s 60-strong long-haul route network. Services in both directions are likely to be very popular, both with tourists and business travellers flying between two of the world’s top financial centres,” said Stewart Wingate, CEO, Gatwick Airport.

The airline’s 787-9 Dreamliners offer spacious, comfortable seats; personal, 11-inch, seat-back screens with a variety of in-flight entertainment; and USB power ports at every seat.

U.K. subsidiary Norwegian UK will operate the Singapore route, and beginning Feb. 14, 2018, it will operate new flights to Buenos Aires (EZE). Norwegian UK was granted a foreign air carrier permit by the U.S. Department of Transportation, allowing the airline to operate flights between the United Kingdom, Europe and the United States.

The increased service comes at a good time, as preliminary traffic figures from the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines showed strong growth at the end of the summer in international air passenger demand. The region’s airlines hit a record 5.6 per cent increase in the number of international passengers — a total of 27.8 million.