Category Archives: Norwegian Air Shuttle

Norwegian to offer free WiFi on Boeing 787-9 and 737-8 MAX 8 fleet

Norwegian is upgrading the passenger experience with the introduction of inflight WiFi on its growing long-haul fleet of aircraft. As the first low-cost carrier to introduce free WiFi on intercontinental flights, Norwegian customers will be able to stay connected with the rollout of basic and premium high-speed WiFi connectivity on the carrier’s Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner and 737 MAX aircraft.

The first WiFi connected Norwegian Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft was delivered on December 18, 2018 (reg: G-CKWP) and features American author Mark Twain on its tailfin. The new aircraft has entered service, which marks the first time Norwegian passengers can experience free inflight WiFi for the full duration of long-haul flights.

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Norwegian became the first carrier to offer free WiFi on all European routes in 2011 and the first European airline to successfully offer live television in the skies in 2015. Since 2013, Norwegian has rapidly grown to become a leading long-haul airline offering more than 60 long-haul routes between Europe, the United States, South America and Asia serviced by modern, state-of-the-art, fuel-efficient aircraft.

Norwegian Air’s US route map for the summer of 2019:

More than 50 percent of Norwegian’s 787-9 Dreamliner fleet is expected to offer in-flight connectivity by 2020. The rollout of WiFi on the airline’s Boeing 737 MAX aircraft will commence from mid-January 2019.

“We’re continuously improving the inflight customer experience and we’re delighted to be the first airline offering free WiFi for the full duration of long-haul flights. Millions of Norwegian customers have already enjoyed free WiFi over the skies of Europe and now long-haul passengers can continue to rely on free and high-speed internet connectivity that will enhance and personalize their journeys. From being the first European airline to launch free WiFi on all short-haul flights followed by free live television, Norwegian’s rollout of high-quality inflight broadband services will offer business and leisure travelers even greater value at affordable fares,” said Vice President Business Development Boris Bubresko, Norwegian.

Passengers will enjoy fast speed internet using the wireless inflight connectivity platform, CabinConnect™ by Collins Aerospace. Passengers will have highly secured access to content through CabinConnect including their favorite shows, inflight map and voice and messaging services through their devices.

CabinConnect uses the Inmarsat Global Aviation (GX) satellite network, specifically designed to offer passengers consistent, reliable high-speed global inflight connectivity. Inflight WiFi works via an antenna fitted to each aircraft fuselage that communicates with Inmarsat’s GX satellite network.

“We are collaborating with Norwegian to achieve their vision of optimizing their aircraft and enterprise operations to address both cabin and flight deck requirements, as well as adding new capabilities for the future,” said LeAnn Ridgeway, Vice President of Information Management Services at Collins Aerospace.

In 2019, five brand new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners and 19 737 MAX aircraft will join Norwegian’s fleet. Norwegian currently operates 24 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners as part of its overall Dreamliner fleet of 32 aircraft.

Two packages – Basic and Premium inflight WiFi

Norwegian economy and Premium customers on the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner and 737 MAX will have the choice of two inflight WiFi packages:

Basic option

The Basic option is free and will allow customers to browse the web, stay-up-to-date on social media, send and receive emails and instant messages with friends, family and colleagues by using their personal mobile phones, tablets and laptops on board for the full length of the flight.

Premium option

Fast enough to stream music, movies and television shows on Netflix, YouTube and Hulu among others, Norwegian will offer passengers a Premium high-speed WiFi option.

Premium high-speed WiFi will be available at an introductory price of $14.95 USD for a three-hour package. Customers can select their preferred currency when choosing the WiFi package.

In the U.S., Norwegian continues to be the fastest growing foreign airline, and will operate from 17 airports and currently offers more than 50 nonstop routes to Europe, as well as four routes from the U.S. to Guadeloupe and Martinique in the French Caribbean, and three routes out of Canada.

Norwegian adds Miami and San Francisco; expands Boston routes

Norwegian will add two more European nonstop routes out of Boston’s Logan International Airport next summer, as well as move its existing London service from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport to Miami International Airport and from Oakland International Airport to San Francisco International Airport.

Norwegian offers the most nonstop routes from both California and Florida to Europe, and these moves will strengthen the airline’s operations in both states.

The new service from Boston to Rome will commence on March 31, 2019, and operate four times per week.

The new Madrid service will launch on May 2, 2019, and operate three times per week.

Both new routes will be summer seasonal only. Norwegian currently operates nonstop flights from Boston to London and Paris.

Additionally, the airline will move two of its existing London nonstop routes starting March 31, 2019. Service to London currently operated from Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood will move to Miami and from Oakland to San Francisco. Miami to London will be a daily service, while San Francisco to London service will be five times weekly.

Norwegian is also increasing frequencies on some of its Madrid, Paris and Rome service from other U.S. gateways for the summer 2019 schedule:

Denver to Paris will increase to three weekly flights, up from twice weekly.
Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood to Paris will increase to three weekly flights, up from twice weekly.
Los Angeles to Paris will increase to daily service, up from six weekly.
Los Angeles to Madrid will increase to four weekly flights, up from three weekly.
Los Angeles to Rome will increase to four weekly flights, up from three weekly.
New York to Madrid will increase to daily service, up from four weekly.
Oakland to Rome will increase to three weekly flights, up from twice weekly.
Orlando to Paris will increase to twice weekly service, up from once weekly.

Norwegian will now operate from 17 airports in the United States, and offers more than 50 nonstop routes to Europe, as well as four routes from the U.S. to Guadeloupe and Martinique in the French Caribbean, and three routes out of Canada.

Top Copyright Photo: Norwegian Air Shuttle (Norwegian.com) (Norwegian Long Haul) Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner LN-LNE (msn 34796) (Roald Amundsen) LAX (Michael B. Ing). Image: 944579.

Norwegian aircraft slide show:

Norwegian starts Amsterdam – New York JFK service

Norwegian on May 7, 2018 started a new route linking Amsterdam with New York (JFK). The new route will operate four days a week.

The pictured Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner G-CKNY operated the first flight.

Copyright Photo: Norwegian.com (Norwegian Air UK) Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner G-CKNY (msn 63312) (Jonathan Swift, Irish Writer) AMS (Ton Jochems). Image: 941811.

Norwegian UK aircraft slide show:

Norwegian rejects two takeover bids from IAG

Norwegian Air Shuttle has made this announcement:

The Board of Norwegian Air Shuttle (NAS) confirms that it has received two separate conditional proposals from IAG Group in relation to an acquisition of 100 percent of the share capital of NAS.

These proposals were reviewed in conjunction with NAS’ financial and legal advisers, and were unanimously rejected on the basis that they undervalued NAS and its prospects. The Board of NAS remains fully committed to delivering on its stated strategy, for the benefit of all NAS shareholders.

Norwegian in the UK and Ireland:

Norwegian carries 5.8 million UK passengers each year from London Gatwick, Edinburgh and Manchester Airports to 50 destinations worldwide
Norwegian is the third largest airline at London Gatwick, with 4.6 million yearly passengers, and with more than 1,000 UK-based pilots and cabin crew
In 2014, Norwegian introduced the UK’s first low-cost, long haul flights to the U.S. – the airline now flies to 11 U.S destinations, Buenos Aires and Singapore
In 2017, Norwegian also launched affordable transatlantic flights from Edinburgh, Belfast, Dublin, Cork and Shannon to the US East Coast, using the brand new Boeing 737 MAX aircraft
Norwegian is the only airline to offer free inflight WiFi on UK flights to more than 30 European destinations
The airline has one of the youngest aircraft fleets in the world with an average age of 3.6 years, including next-generation Boeing 787 Dreamliners, Boeing 737 MAX and Boeing 737-800s
Norwegian has been voted ‘Europe’s best low-cost carrier’ by passengers for five consecutive years at SkyTrax World Airline Awards from 2013-2017, along with being awarded the ‘World’s best low-cost long-haul airline’ in 2015, 2016 and 2017
Norwegian Reward is the airline’s free to join award-winning loyalty program offering members CashPoints and Rewards that reduce the cost of Norwegian flights

Copyright Photo: Norwegian.com (Norwegian Air UK) Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner G-CKWC (msn 38893) (Robert Burns, Scottish Poet) PAE (Nick Dean). Image: 941252.

Norwegian UK aircraft slide show:

The newest tail from Norwegian

From Norwegian Air Shuttle:

Today is 46 years of the death of Clara Campoamor (1888 – 1972), writer, politics and feminist Spanish, and one of the main drivers of female suffrage in Spain, achieved in 1931.

Norwegian to increase USA flights from Ireland and Scotland this winter

Norwegian is increasing flights from Edinburgh, Dublin and Shannon airports to the USA during the winter season.

Europe’s third largest low-cost airline launched a series of transatlantic routes from Edinburgh, Belfast, Dublin, Cork and Shannon last summer to the US east coast. Norwegian operates brand new Boeing 737 MAX aircraft with up to 189 seats to service the routes which serve smaller airports on the US east coast. These airports give passengers more affordable access to the New York and Boston areas in addition to tourist attractions in New England.

From October 28, Norwegian will commence an increased winter 2018 schedule with the following added flights:

Dublin

At Dublin Airport, Norwegian will continue its increased summer schedule to New York Stewart International Airport and Providence into the winter season with a double daily service and daily service respectively. Fares are now available from €129 to Providence and from €139 to New York.

The airline will use 737 MAX aircraft that are currently based at Dublin Airport, New York Stewart International and Providence airports to service the winter increases. These existing aircraft are being used to operate the current summer schedule at Dublin Airport.

Shannon

At Shannon Airport, Norwegian will deliver a daily service to New York Stewart International Airport this winter as the carrier increases its flights from two a week from the previous winter.

Norwegian will use existing aircraft based at New York Stewart International Airport to service the increased New York route which are being used to operate the current summer schedule at Shannon Airport.

Edinburgh

Norwegian will maintain daily transatlantic flights at Edinburgh Airport this winter by increasing the New York route to a daily service, up from three flights a week in the previous winter.

The Boeing 737 MAX aircraft based at Edinburgh Airport, which is being used to service the current summer schedule at Edinburgh Airport, will be used to service the increased New York route from the Scottish capital this winter.

Norwegian also operates the first transatlantic flights in Cork Airport’s 50-year history with a three-weekly service to Providence and the only nonstop services from Belfast to the USA in the busier summer season. Flights from Cork to Providence and Belfast to New York will continue through October and have been received positively by travellers on both sides of the Atlantic. Norwegian will continue to assess its route schedule for summer 2019.

Norwegian is the world’s sixth largest low-cost airline, carrying around 30 million passengers per year to more than 150 global destinations. The airline has around 150 aircraft in its fleet with an average age of 3.6 years, making it one of the world’s youngest fleets – the airline also has more than 150 additional new aircraft on order.

Copyright Photo: Norwegian.com (Norwegian Air International) (Ireland) Boeing 737-8 MAX 8 EI-FYC (msn 42825) (Jonathan Swift, Irish writer) DUB (Michael Kelly). Image: 939774.

Norwegian (Ireland) aircraft slide show:

IAG’s statement on Norwegian

Response to Press Speculation on Norwegian Air Shuttle ASA

International Airlines Group (IAG) notes the recent press speculation that it is considering making an offer for Norwegian Air Shuttle ASA (Norwegian).

IAG considers Norwegian to be an attractive investment and has acquired a 4.61 per cent ownership position in Norwegian (minority investment).

The minority investment is intended to establish a position from which to initiate discussions with Norwegian, including the possibility of a full offer for Norwegian.

IAG confirms that no such discussions have taken place to date, that it has taken no decision to make an offer at this time and that there is no certainty that any such decision will be made.

A further announcement will be made if appropriate.

Enrique Dupuy de Lôme

Chief Financial Officer

Norwegian continues Ireland expansion with double-daily Dublin-Stewart, NY flights

Norwegian is continuing its Irish expansion by doubling the number of flights on its popular Dublin-New York area service which will allow for day trips to New York State.

Europe’s third largest low-cost airline, first launched transatlantic flights from Dublin to Stewart International Airport in New York State and Providence, Rhode Island, last summer using brand new Boeing 737-8 MAX 8 aircraft offering up to 189 seats. Each destination serves as a gateway to the metropolitan areas of New York City and Boston, in addition to major tourist attractions in New York State and New England which include Woodbury Common Premium Shopping Outlets, Cape Cod and Nantucket.

From April 26, Norwegian’s daily nonstop flights from Dublin to New York area, will increase to a twice-daily service. The new early morning departure at 8:10 am will offer passengers the earliest flight from Dublin to New York area, which lands at 10:30 am local time.

Norwegian currently operates six routes from Dublin to destinations in the USA and Nordic countries including Providence, Oslo, Copenhagen, Stockholm and Helsinki. Passengers flying Norwegian from Dublin and Shannon can use US Preclearance facilities to clear US immigration and customs before departure. The airline opened a new pilot base at Dublin Airport in 2017 to support the airline’s growing international operations.

Norwegian will also increase the number of transatlantic flights from Shannon. From March 27, the airline will double its frequency to Providence from two to four flights a week and will add a third weekly flight to Stewart, New York.

This month, it was confirmed Stewart International Airport will be renamed New York Stewart International Airport as part of a $37 million airport upgrade to better handle soaring international passenger numbers. Norwegian is the only airline to operate international flights from Stewart International Airport.

Norwegian is the world’s sixth largest low-cost airline, carrying around 30 million passengers per year to more than 150 global destinations. Norwegian has almost 150 aircraft in its fleet with an average age of 3.6 years, making it one of the world’s youngest fleets – the airline also has more than 200 additional new aircraft on order.

Photo: Norwegian.

Norwegian takes delivery of final Boeing 737-800 aircraft

Norwegian on February 21 took delivery of its 100th direct buy Boeing 737-800 aircraft, the last of this aircraft type in its fleet. Norwegian originally ordered 42 737-800 in 2007 and leased 26 of these aircraft between 2008 and 2016. The airline now has a total of 118 737-800 aircraft in its fleet.

“Today’s delivery marks the end of an era for Norwegian. When we first introduced the Boeing 737-800 aircraft to our fleet 11 years ago, we did so because it was a modern aircraft with a record of reliability, fuel efficiency and low operating costs,” said Bjørn Kjos, CEO of Norwegian. “Now, at the dawn of a new era, our fleet expansion will continue with more environmentally friendly aircraft as we prepare to take delivery of more than 100 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft over the next few years.”

In 2017, Norwegian took delivery of the first six of 110 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft the airline has on order. These initial aircraft were used to launch the airline’s service between the Northeastern United States and six European destinations, primarily in Ireland. The 737 MAX is more fuel efficient and environmentally friendly than its predecessor, and after operating the aircraft since July 2017, Norwegian can confirm that this aircraft burns 18 percent less fuel than the 737-800. With this newer aircraft type, Norwegian is able to realise lower operating costs because of its fuel efficiency, seat capacity and overall range.

Norwegian will take delivery of 12 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft in 2018, which will allow the airline to launch additional medium-haul routes throughout its global network.

Photo: Norwegian.

Norwegian reports a loss in 2017

Norwegian reported its full year and fourth quarter 2017 results.

The net loss was -299 million NOK (-£27.4 million) ($38.3 million) in 2017, while the earnings before interest, taxes and depreciations (EBITDA) was 60 million NOK (£5.5 million).

Significant costs related to increased fuel prices, wet lease and passenger care affect the results. Going into 2018, Norwegian is far better positioned with stronger bookings and a better staffing situation. Major investments have also been done in 2017 to prepare for future growth.

The company’s total revenue was almost 31 billion NOK (£2.8 billion) – an increase of 19 per cent compared to 2016. A total of 32 brand new aircraft entered the fleet, contributing to a production growth (ASK) of 25 percent. The load factor was unchanged at 88 percent. A total of more than 33 million passengers chose to travel with Norwegian in 2017, an increase of 13 percent compared to previous year.

For the fourth quarter, the net loss was 919 million NOK (£84.4 million) ($117.9 million).

The total revenue was more than 7.8 billion NOK (£716.5 million), an increase of 30 percent from the same period last year, primarily driven by international growth as well as an increased traffic in the Nordics. Just over 8 million passengers flew with Norwegian this quarter, a growth of 12 percent. The load factor was 85.3 percent. Norwegian made major investments in the fourth quarter related to training of pilots and cabin crew on both its wide-body and narrow-body fleet to prepare for the growth in 2018.

“We are not at all satisfied with the 2017 results. However, the year was also characterized by global expansion driven by new routes, high load factors and continued fleet renewal. Through our global strategy, we contribute to local economic boost and increased employment at our destinations, as well as ensuring that more people can afford to fly – not least between the continents. In 2017, we received several major international customer awards, which would never have been possible without our dedicated colleagues at Norwegian,” said CEO Bjørn Kjos of Norwegian.

“Norwegian is far better positioned for 2018, with stronger bookings, a growing network of intercontinental routes complementing our vast European network and not least, a better staffing situation. Our major global expansion reaches its peak in the second half of 2018, when 32 of our 42 Dreamliners on order will have been put into service,” Kjos continued.

Copyright Photo: Norwegian.com (Norwegian Air International) (Ireland) Boeing 737-8 MAX 8 EI-FYC (msn 42825) (Jonathan Swift, Irish writer) DUB (Michael Kelly). Image: 939774.

Norwegian aircraft slide show: