By Dana Niland
CJ Contributor

Norwegian Air Shuttle has officially launched its new service between London and Puerto Rico.

The service is the first direct flight between Puerto Rico and the United Kingdom since 2012.

Norwegian also offers direct service to the island from Stockholm, Oslo and Copenhagen.

“With these new routes, Puerto Rico has the opportunity to take flight as a tourist destination of excellence in Europe,” said Puerto Rico Governor Alejandro Garcia Padilla. “Thousands of new visitors will have the opportunity to discover our beaches, our wildlife, our wonderful food and warmth that distinguishes us Puerto Ricans.”

Norwegian will offer two flights a week on Dreamliner aircraft.

Over the past few years, several airlines have begun or reinstated service to San Juan, including San Juan, Avianca, Air Europa and Volaris, among others.

“Puerto Rico is our fifth long haul route to launch from London Gatwick in just 18 months and demonstrates the demand for affordable transatlantic flights from the UK,” said Thomas Ramdahl, Commercial Director for Norwegian. “[It] demonstrates the demand for affordable transatlantic flights from the UK. Puerto Rico offers a unique combination of American – Caribbean culture which we expect to prove a hit with British holidaymakers.”

The new flights will also help position Puerto Rico as a gateway for UK travelers to the Caribbean, given Seaborne’s regional hub in San Juan.