Norwegian carried almost 3.4 million passengers in October – an increase of eight per cent compared to the same month the previous year – driven by growth on long-haul routes.
The airline welcomed 3,388,898 passengers in October, an increase of 240,387 compared to the same month last year. The total traffic growth (RPK) increased by 25 per cent this month, driven by a 29 per cent capacity growth (ASK). The load factor was 85 per cent.
Norwegian chief executive officer, Bjørn Kjos said: “We are very pleased that an increasing number of passengers choose Norwegian for their travels. The long-haul routes represent the largest growth this month and the demand is satisfactory.
“However, we are now entering a period of lower demand, tough competition and high oil prices, making it even more important for the company to continue reducing its costs.”
Norwegian said yield development is positive, but is negatively affected by the fact that the company now operates a greater number of longer flights than the same month last year. As the revenue per passenger kilometre is lower on longer flights the company’s total yield falls when the share of long-haul flights increases.
Norwegian’s fleet renewal program continues in 2018. The company took delivery of two Boeing 737 MAX 8 this month. In total, Norwegian will take delivery of 11 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners,12 Boeing 737 MAX 8 and two Boeing 737-800 aircraft this year.
