Norwegian is to pursue further route expansion from London to South America and Asia, the carrier’s chief executive Bjorn Kjos has confirmed.

The airline said it is exploring potential new routes to more South American countries due to strong ticket sales on the London Gatwick - Buenos Aires route, which begins this week.

Further Asia expansion will build upon the launch of the world’s longest low-cost route to Singapore with destinations such as Tokyo, Shanghai and Beijing planned if the airline receives access to the Siberian corridor. The Siberian corridor gives Norwegian the most efficient and direct routing across Russia to the Far East.

“With huge global ambitions, we’re confident that the UK can offer Norwegian a springboard to further expansion as we aim to become the long-haul airline of choice for passengers seeking a high-quality service at great value,” said Kjos.

Norwegian launched transatlantic services from London Gatwick to the US in 2014. It has since flown more than two million passengers on its transatlantic routes at London Gatwick.

The airline flew more than 5.1 million UK passengers in 2017 and will shortly commence a series of new long-haul routes using Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft, including the UK’s first low-cost flights to South America (14 February), and new direct services to Chicago and Austin in March.

Eight brand-new Airbus A321neo LR will land in Norwegian’s fleet in 2019 and will serve the UK from 2020. The A321neo LR will be Norwegian’s first Airbus aircraft to fly in its fleet as plans are underway to use these aircraft from London to the US East Coast and Midwest.

Cities such as Detroit, Philadelphia and Minneapolis are examples of destinations that could be served. Norwegian will also consider routes to the Middle East using the Airbus A321neo LR.