flynas has launched its non-stop flight from King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah to London Gatwick.

The airline offers passengers value-added, services-driven, yet affordable international air travel in both Business Class and Economy Class.

For the first time, it also provides passengers a direct route to Saudi Arabia’s second largest city in less than seven hours from Gatwick.

flynas chief executive Raja Azmi said: “Launching the first of our European long-haul routes is a very exciting day for flynas and we are very pleased to now offer our passengers a non-stop flight to London as part of our international network.”

“The flynas Global Flight Routes programme will cover new destinations across Europe, Asia and Africa, all flying out of our international hub in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia in 2014.

“The international network will also include flights to Manchester, in addition to Paris, Kuala Lumpur Jakarta, Karachi, and Casablanca.”

The Airbus A330 aircraft is part of a major fleet investment for flynas and is set up in a two-cabin configuration which includes a new 12-seat Business Class Cabin fitted out with reclinable flat-beds.

Passengers in both Economy and Business Class have access to smart in-flight entertainment, generous hold luggage and a host of other on-board services.

The Jeddah route adds to the numerous high-growth markets already served by Gatwick, which now include China, Russia, Turkey, Vietnam and – from September – Indonesia.

Long haul low cost services are also increasing, with easyJet launching services to Moscow last year and Norwegian Air Shuttle set to start US services to New York, Los Angeles and Fort Lauderdale in July 2014.