On Monday 28 October, Norwegian based long-haul low cost carrier, Norse Atlantic, celebrated the launch of it’s inaugural service from London Gatwick to Cape Town, South Africa. The new route, set to operate thrice weekly, originates from Gatwick under flight number Z0795 departing at 8:30pm local time in the UK, and touching down in sunny Cape Town at 9:50am local time the next day. The return leg, flight number Z0796 then arrives back in the UK at 9:20pm the same evening.
The Inaugural Flight
The flight was operated by one of the airline’s five based 787-9 dreamliners, G-CKQF dubbed “Redwood”. The flight was fully booked with guests including the press as well as airline CEO, Bjørn Tore Larsen. In an interview last year, the CEO stated that the idea of Cape Town came to him during the airline’s one-off visit to the city in 2023 when it was used as a staging ground for their operation to the Troll Ice Runway in Antarctica. He outlined that, during that trip, he needed to return unexpectedly to London, and the prices and lack of available seats were a great problem for him. It was there that he saw a gap in the market.
The route is not without competition though. Several legacy carriers including Virgin Atlantic and British Airways operate a London-Cape Town route, via destinations including Paris, Amsterdam and Frankfurt to name a few.
Flight Z0795 touched down on CPT’s runway 19 at 10:22 am local time, half an hour behind schedule, but was welcomed by a water cannon salute on landing.
Speaking to the media, James Vos, Cape Town Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth said:
“Exciting news for Cape Town! We’re thrilled to welcome Norse Atlantic Airways and celebrate their new direct route from London Gatwick to Cape Town, which officially kicked off yesterday, October 28th, with the inaugural flight arriving at Cape Town International Airport this morning! This direct connection marks a significant boost for travel and tourism between South Africa and the UK, opening more doors for both business and leisure travelers. A big congratulations to the Air Access initiative, championed by Wesgro and supported by the City of Cape Town for helping secure routes that enhance Cape Town’s accessibility to key markets worldwide. These connections also mean greater opportunities for exports of Cape Town-made goods across the globe.”
Norse Atlantic’s Growth
Norse Atlantic Airways is a Norwegian low-cost airline focused on offering budget-friendly long-haul flights, primarily between Europe and North America. Launched in 2021, Norse Atlantic operates a fleet of Boeing 787 Dreamliners, providing an economical alternative to traditional carriers on transatlantic routes. With a business model emphasizing low operational costs and competitive pricing, the airline aims to fill the gap left by other budget transatlantic airlines, while targeting both leisure and business travelers seeking affordable options without compromising comfort. Norse has taken a slower approach to the announcement of new routes, learning lesson’s from it’s predecessor and now ceased, Norwegian Airlines Long-Haul Operation.
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Flew with Norse on 2nd october from Gatwick and it was shocking.
Mild ciaos in the queue yet the manager was stressing out, having a go at her staff members in front of customers which looked v bad.. Staff all looked demoralised as I didn’t see any of them smile once!
I arrived at check-in 3hours early. When I eventually got through the queue I was advised to fill out an Esta form online and re-join the queue. I completed the form and re-joined the queue again. When returning to the front I now had only 50 mins left to board the plane. The CSA advised me to go to the managers desk which I did. However, the manager was so busy stressing about the queue, so much that I ran out of time to board my flight.
In similar circumstances, other airlines such as Delta would’ve rebooked me free of charge. Norse on the other hand wanted to charge me $233. As I was not in a position pay this amount I was not allowed to board the flight at all. The managers whole attitude was as if she did not even care even though it was her that caused part of the delay – it was a disgusting experience! I would never recommend Norse Airlines!
Hi ,make your Mark and fly down to CAPE Town, South Africa,,,What was Norse s response after your complaining,cause this sounds ridiculous for them not to compensate you,if like you saying,you filled in every form even the online one,did you know that you were to fill in an Esta form,In that case it’s not their fault,but at least they should have aloud you to jump the queue and go straight to the front. Hopefully you’ll have a chance of heart and fly down to CAPE Town with their new 3 times a week schedule low cost flights .It’s gonna be HOT DOWN HERE ,Our Rand is a walk over and you’ll get more then your moneys worth, you’ll might want to buy property here, and invest.
You’ll be singing FRANK SINATRA song ,,,fly me to the moon, or Elon musk’s song fly me to Mars…. please respond
We have flown Norse 3Times since covid from JFK to Rome and to Gatwick…it was more comfortable and friendly and less costly than America and United..Ww will be flying Norse as out 1st choice Airline..
I will definitely fly Norse Atlantic again. I was on the inaugural Cape Town flight. Check in at London Gatwick was smooth. Very strict on luggage measurements but if you adhere to booking guidelines there won’t be a
problem. After the welcome address and gift of a cute commemorative biscuit, boarding was quick. The Boeing 787 economy class was no different to other airlines (meals optional). Don’t forget to take your own headphones, although these are for sale on board, as are blankets if required. Cabin crew were very attentive and friendly. My pre ordered meal was a very tasty chicken teriyaki served with a roll and butter and a small chocolate pot dessert. The welcome in Cape Town was quite special with a fire engine water arch – something I had never seen before. The airline also gifted us with vouchers for Aquila game reserve. Very generous and much appreciated.
Pity the SA representatives didn’t get the National flag the right way up!!!!??
Our councillor didn’t notice that our flag is being held upside down for the photo? Terrible. Insulting. Based on that alone I won’t fly this airline.
Now you not making a Mark,are you from South Africa,cause it’s the South African Flag that’s upside down and not the one from the airline,🤔😏🥴🫠
Who cares about an airline flag? Our national flag is disrespected! If they can’t bother to hold a country flag correctly, they don’t deserve my money
And you make jokes about my name, as well as play down their lack of respect for south Africa, it’s purple, history, and the meaning behind the flag, and the colours in specific orientation. You’ve just made it even worse. Go to hell Norse Atlantic