Norwegian Reports 14% Passenger Growth in September, 50% Growth on Long-Haul Routes

Norwegian reports that it carried almost 2.8 million passengers in September, which is an increase of 14 percent compared to the same month last year. The airline’s long-haul routes are star performers.

  • The airline’s load factor was almost 90 percent, an increase of 1.2 percent.
  • Norwegian also reported a load factor of 96 percent and a 50 percent passenger growth on long-haul routes.
  • The total traffic growth (RPK) increased by 21 percent, while the capacity growth (ASK) increased by 19 percent in September.

“September’s figures show that our positive development continues across all markets, both with more passengers and a high load factor. It is also satisfying to see that more customers are choosing Norwegian when they are flying between the US and Europe and Europe and Asia,” said Norwegian CEO Bjørn Kjos.

Though few of the airline’s flights were cancelled, on-time performance remains weak.

  • Norwegian operated 99.5 per cent of the scheduled flights in September, of which 79.6 per cent departed on time.

Norwegian saw an increase in online bookings of two percentage points for September though year to date online bookings remain three percentage points behind 2015.

banners_and_alerts_and_traffic_figures_september_2016_pdf__1_page_Norwegian is still operating at a loss.

  • The unit revenue (RASK) is estimated at 0.37 for the period (-7 %).
  • The average flying distance for the Group increased by 6% in September compared to the same period last year.
  • By the end of September, the Group estimates a quarter-to-date loss of NOK 44 million, including gains of NOK 97 million related to unrealised hedge positions.

traffic_figures_september_2016_pdf__1_page_

Norwegian also reported that its fleet renewal program in “full force” for 2016 with the delivery of 21 new aircraft. The company took delivery of two new Boeing 737-800s in September.

Marisa Garcia

After working for sixteen years in aviation, specializing in aircraft interiors design and aviation safety equipment, and getting hands-on with aircraft cabins in hangars around the world, Marisa Garcia turned her expertise into industry insight. She has been reporting on aviation matters since 2014. Every day, she's putting words to work.

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1 Comment

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