Category Archives: Norwegian.com (Norwegian Air Shuttle)

Norwegian signs a contract for three additional Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, loses $137.6 million in the first quarter

Norwegian Air Shuttle (Norwegian Long Haul) (Norwegian.com) (Oslo) has entered into an agreement for the delivery of three new long-haul Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners. Two of the aircraft will be delivered in 2016 and one in 2017.

Norwegian continues to expand its international operations and has agreed to also lease two 787-9 Dreamliners. Norwegian will put two of the planes in service in 2016 and one in 2017. Today, Norwegian has five long-haul type Dreamliner 787-8 in its fleet and another three on order. In addition, Norwegian has already placed an order for six 787-9s. With this new contract, Norwegian in 2018 will have a long-haul fleet of 17 long-haul 787s.

Facts about Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner:

Holds up to 20 percent more passengers than 787-8
Six meters (20 feet) longer than the 787-8
Significantly greater cargo capacity than the 787-8
Eight percent less fuel per seat than today’s version, which also gives the corresponding reduction in environmental emissions

In other news, Norwegian announced a quarterly loss before taxes of -813 million NOK ($137.6 million). Quarterly earnings were affected by additional costs for hiring of crews and a weak Norwegian crown.

During the first quarter, the revenue increased to 3.55 billion Norwegian kroner, an increase of 22 percent compared to the same quarter last year.

9 million passengers flew with Norwegian representing growth of 24 percent. The traffic growth (RPK) was at 50 percent, which is also linked to each Norwegian passengers now fly much longer than they did a year ago.

The figures also show strong output growth with an increase of 48 percent (ASK). The load factor was 77 percent in the first quarter, up one percentage point compared to the same quarter the year before. Adjusted with extra costs and a weak currency decreased costs (CASK) by nine percent in the first quarter.

Extra costs associated with long-haul operations accounted for 78 million NOK. These costs included the leasing of aircraft, additional fuel and the cost of hotels, food and drink to passengers affected by technical and operational problems with long-distance business.

During the first quarter, Norwegian phased in five new Boeing 737-800s and a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner. With the Dreamliner (EI-LNE) that was delivered last week, Norwegian now has a total of five long-haul aircraft in service and 12 on order.

Copyright Photo: Duncan Kirk/AirlinersGallery.com. The first, the pictured 787-8 EI-LNA (msn 35304) displays the likeness of Sonja Henie on the tail.

Norwegian:

Norwegian is coming to Oakland today

Norwegian Long Haul (Norwegian.com) (Oslo) today (May 3) launched the first nonstop flight from Stockholm (Arlanda) to Oakland, California. It is the first time that Sweden has a direct flight to the San Francisco Bay area.

The new route is operated two days a week with the Boeing 787. Oslo-Oakland service starts on May 28.

Norwegian’s other long-haul routes from Stockholm (Arlanda) and Oslo (Gardermoen) operates to New York (JFK), Los Angeles, Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood and Bangkok. From Copenhagen the fast-growing airline operates nonstop flights to Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood, Los Angeles and New York (JFK).

Copyright Photo: Stefan Sjogren/AirlinersGallery.com. Boeing 787-8 EI-LNC (msn 34795) prepares to land at Stockholm (Arlanda).

Norwegian:

Norwegian flies over 1.8 million passengers in March, an increase of 25 percent

Norwegian Air Shuttle (Norwegian.com) is growing fast and its traffic is booming. The passenger volume grew by 25 percent alone in March. The company issued this statement (translated from Norwegian):

Norwegian flew over 1.8 million passengers in March 2014, an increase of 25 percent over the same month last year. Capacity growth was in the high 51 percent, in absolute terms the largest capacity growth that Norwegian has ever had in a month.

In March flew 1,805,551 passengers on Norwegian, an increase of 25 percent compared with the same month last year. The total traffic growth (RPK) increased by 52 percent in March, while capacity growth (ASK) increased by 51 percent. This represents an increase of 1.2 billion seat kilometers, the largest capacity growth ever during a month. The passenger load factor was 77.8
percent in March, up 0.2 percentage points compared with the same month last year.

Despite the increased load factor, this year’s late Easter had a negative impact on the load factor in March.

We have a record capacity growth this month, something that depends on the establishment of new bases outside Scandinavia and the launch of several new routes and flights throughout its route network. Despite strong growth in capacity and this year’s late Easter filled planes slightly better than the same period last year. It shows that Norwegian holds the promise of good quality and low prices, said CEO Bjørn Kjos.

In March came two brand-new aircraft; a Boeing 737-800 and a 787 Dreamliner. In 2014, Boeing will deliver 14 Boeing 737-800s and four 787 Dreamliners. Norwegian’s fleet is among the most modern and environmentally friendly in Europe.

Norwegian completed 99.7 percent of scheduled flights in March, of which 87.1 percent departed at the scheduled timetable.

Copyright Photo: Paul Bannwarth/AirlinersGallery.com. Boeing 737-86N LN-NOJ (msn 37884) with Danish astronomer Tycho Brache on the tail lands at Tenerife Sur (South).

Norwegian:

Routes from Oslo:

Norwegian opens its new base at Barcelona, Spain

Norwegian Air Shuttle (Norwegian.com) (Oslo) and Spanish authorities are celebrating today the opening of the new base in Barcelona. It is the sixth Spanish base along with Madrid, Alicante, Malaga, Las Palmas and Tenerife.

The mood among the travelers were on top when Norwegian, Spanish authorities and partners celebrated the opening of the new base in Barcelona with a ribbon cutting, refreshments and speeches.

Between March and October this year Norwegian expects to fly around 700,000 passengers to and from Barcelona. During the same period last year traveled 490,000 passengers to and from the Catalan capital.

Three Boeing 737-800 are now based at the Barcelona-El Prat Airport. Over 120 pilots and cabin crew have been hired locally with competitive wages and working conditions. Norwegian opens four new routes and increase frequencies on existing routes from April 2014. Norwegian now has 11 nonstop routes from BCN and 69 flights a week from Barcelona.

Top Copyright Photo: Norwegian.

Norwegian:

Bottom Copyright Photo: Michael Kelly/AirlinersGallery.com. The latest Norwegian Boeing 787-8 EI-LND (msn 35310) arrived at Dublin on delivery from Boeing on March 26. The Dreamliner was rolled out yesterday (March 31) with a decal of Norwegian marathon runner Grete Waitz on the tail.

Boeing delivers the 1,000th 737 Sky Interior

Boeing’s (Chicago and Seattle) passenger-inspired 737 Boeing Sky Interior marked its 1,000th milestone delivery with Norwegian Air Shuttle ASA (Oslo).

The 737 Boeing Sky Interior features modern sculpted sidewalls and window reveals, LED lighting that enhances the sense of spaciousness and larger pivoting overhead stowage bins.

Norwegian Air Shuttle was one of the launch customers for the 737 Boeing Sky Interior. This is the airline’s 48th Next-Generation 737-800 with the new interior, making it the largest airline operating with the 737 Boeing Sky Interior in Europe.

A passenger survey conducted by Norwegian Air Shuttle soon after the airline began service with the new look found that more than half of respondents rate the 737 Boeing Sky Interior more comfortable than the standard interior. And passengers reported they feel “happier” in the new interior.

Since the first 737 Boeing Sky Interior was delivered in October 2010, more than 60 customers have ordered the new interior.

Approximately 85 percent of Boeing’s backlog of more than 1,900 Next-Generation 737s will be delivered with the 737 Boeing Sky Interior. The passenger-preferred interior will be standard on Boeing’s newest family of single-aisle airplanes, the 737 MAX.

Copyright Photo: Norwegian. Norwegian received its first Boeing 737-800 aircraft with Boeing Sky Interior in 2010. The sleek design features curving architecture and new cove lighting based on Boeing’s Dreamliner interior. The LED “mood” lighting adds a feeling of spaciousness and improves the cabin perception. The cabin crew can also simulate sunset and sunrise, enhancing passenger comfort and ambience.

Norwegian:

Norwegian’s passenger traffic increases by 24% in January to 1.5 million passengers

Norwegian Air Shuttle’s (Norwegian Long Haul) (Norwegian.com) (Oslo) traffic is exploding. The fast-growing carrier reported its traffic grew by 24 percent in January 2014 to over 1.5 million passengers. The company issued this statement:

Norwegian carried more than 1.5 million passengers in January 2014, an increase of 24 percent compared to January last year. The load factor increased despite major capacity growth.

In January, 1,530,441 passengers flew with Norwegian. This is an increase of 24 percent compared to January 2013. The total passenger traffic (RPK) increased by 50 percent and the total capacity (ASK) increased by 45 percent this month. The load factor was 74.8 percent in January, up 2.6 percentage points.

“I’m very pleased that we in a low season month like January increase the load factor, even with major capacity growth. The fact that 1.5 million passengers chose to fly with us prove that low fares and new, comfortable aircraft are important, “said CEO Bjørn Kjos.

Norwegian operated 99.6 percent of its scheduled flights in January, whereof 78.3 percent departed on time. The on-time performance is affected by challenging weather conditions in Scandinavia.

In January, Norwegian took delivery of two brand new Boeing 737-800 aircraft. A total of 15 such aircraft will be delivered in 2014 in addition to four 787 Dreamliners. Norwegian’s fleet is one of Europe’s newest and most environmentally friendly.

Copyright Photo: Paul Denton/AirlinersGallery.com. Boeing 737-8JP LN-NOT (msn 37816) with Piet Hein on the tail departs for Oslo at Geneva.

Norwegian:

Norwegian hires 170 American flight attendants

Norwegian Long Haul (Norwegian Air Shuttle) (Norwegian.com) (Oslo) has been recruiting for American employees since October 2012 to serve as flight attendants. The airline has received over 5,500 applications for the 300 open positions. So far it has hired 170 flight attendants for based positions in New York and Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood. Another 130 FAs will be hired. Some of the recruits have finished their training and are already flying as we previously reported.

All new employees work under U.S. pay standards and conditions.

Norwegian’s long-haul routes in 2014:

Bangkok: Oslo and Stockholm
New York City: Oslo, Stockholm, Copenhagen, Oslo and London
Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood: Oslo, Stockholm, Copenhagen and London
Los Angeles: Oslo, Stockholm, Copenhagen and London
San Francisco: Oslo and Stockholm
Orlando: Oslo

Norwegian:

Video: New crew members talk about working for Norwegian:

Norwegian to start Stockholm Heraklion, Crete flights on June 26

Norwegian Air Shuttle (Norwegian.com) on June 26 will launch the Stockholm (Arlanda) – Heraklion with one weekly flight. Norwegian will now have two destinations in Crete, Chania and Heraklion. In addition to a new route to Crete increased number of flights to Tel Aviv, Larnaca and Riga.

Norwegian:

Norwegian hires and graduates its first U.S.-based flight attendants

Norwegian Air Shuttle (Norwegian Long Haul) (Norwegian.com) (Oslo) has hired and graduated its first U.S. citizen and New York-based flight attendant group. Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood will soon have a base of U.S. flight attendants. The airline issued this short statement and photo on its Facebook page:

Say hi to our newest members of the Norwegian-family; cabin crew from our new base in New York. Welcome aboard!

Norwegian:

Norwegian is selling out on its trans-Atlantic Boeing 787 flights

Norwegian Air Shuttle (Norwegian Long Haul) (Oslo) is doing well with its new Long Haul Boeing 787 flights across the Atlantic Ocean despite the well-publicized early problems with the new type. The airline is now selling out these flights and has ordered more 787s to expand its long range flights according to this article by Bloomberg Businessweek.

Bloomberg Businessweek also asks the question of whether Norwegian will become the cheapest global airline?

Read this interesting article and videos: CLICK HERE

Copyright Photo: Keith Burton/AirlinersGallery.com. Norwegian Air Shuttle’s (Norwegian.com) (Norwegian Long Haul) Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner EI-LNA (msn 35304) with the image of Sonja Henie departs from Bangkok.

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