Norwegian reports strong passenger growth and high load factors in August

Norwegian reported strong passenger growth as it carried more than 3.6 million passengers in August. The total number of passengers increased by 10 percent compared to the same month previous year. The load factor was approximately 90 percent on the entire route network and 94 percent on the company’s long-haul routes, operated by 787 Dreamliner aircraft.

Norwegian carried 3,615,319 passengers in August, an increase of 335,794 passengers (10 percent) compared to the same month last year. The total traffic growth (RPK) increased by 31 percent this month, driven by a 33 percent capacity growth (ASK). The load factor was 89.6 percent on the entire route network and 94 percent on Norwegian’s long-haul routes, which are operated by 787 Dreamliner aircraft.

“We are very pleased that an increasing number of passengers choose Norwegian for their travels. I’d particularly like to point out our long-haul routes where the demand is high and continues to increase, not least between London and the US and Paris and the US. We also see that more passengers from other continents connect to other destinations in Norwegian’s route network, which underlines the importance of a strong and seamless operation across the airline,” said CEO Bjørn Kjos of Norwegian.

“I am also pleased to see that despite a high increase in available seats, we are filling the planes. Our capacity growth is still high, but in line with our strategy, the growth will slow down compared to previous months. We have been through a long period of strong growth and going forward we will reap what we have sown for the benefit of our customers, staff and shareholders,” Kjos continues.

Norwegian operated 99.4 percent of the scheduled flights in August, whereof 75.6 percent departed on time.

Norwegian’s fleet renewal program continues in 2018.?The company took delivery of one Boeing 737 MAX 8 this month. In total, this year Norwegian will take delivery of 11 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, 12 Boeing 737 MAX 8 and two Boeing 737-800 aircraft. With an average age of only 3.7 years, Norwegian’s fleet is one of the world’s “greenest” and most modern. The single most important action an airline can take to reduce its environmental footprint, is to invest in new aircraft and new technology.