Category Archives: Norwegian.com (Norwegian Air Shuttle)

Norwegian takes delivery of its first Boeing 787-8 from ILFC and Boeing

Norwegian Air Shuttle (Norwegian Long haul) (Oslo) has taken delivery of its first Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner. Boeing, International Lease Finance Corporation (ILFC) and Norwegian celebrated several milestones on Thursday (June 27) during a delivery ceremony for a new 787 Dreamliner. It was the first 787 delivered to ILFC and its lessee, Norwegian, which will operate the airplane. The 787 also marked the 700^th airplane Boeing delivered to ILFC.

The delivery to ILFC builds on Boeing’s 40-year relationship with the Los Angeles-based leasing company and largest 787 customer with 74 Dreamliners on order.

Norwegian currently has eight 787s on order through lease agreements and direct deliveries. The carrier will use the 787s to service its new long-haul routes from Oslo and Stockholm to New York (JFK) and Bangkok. In November, the airline also will operate the 787 to Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood from Oslo, Stockholm and Copenhagen.

The delivery flight to Oslo (Gardermoen) took 8 hours and 20 minutes.

Before the new aircraft is deployed on its long-haul routes to New York (JFK) and Bangkok, between July 4 and August 4, the new type will be flying a range of European routes from Oslo to include London, Alicante, Malaga, Nice and Barcelona.

Copyright Photo: Nick Dean/AirlinersGallery.com. Norwegian’s Boeing 787-8 EI-LNA (msn 35304) with Sonja Henie on the tail is pictured departing Paine Field near Everett yesterday afternoon (June 28) as “Norstar 576”. Norwegian will operate its new Boeing 787s as a separate “Norwegian Long Haul A.S.” (DU/NLH) division.

Norwegian:

Norwegian to launch 20 new routes for the winter 2013-2014, launches its 15th route from London Gatwick

Norwegian Air Shuttle (Norwegian.com) (Oslo) is one of the fastest growing airlines in Europe and continues to launch new routes. The airline has issued this statement concerning the launch of 20 new routes for the coming winter season:

Norwegian is planning to launch 20 new routes this winter season starting in the autumn of 2013. From Stockholm, the company expands the number of direct routes to Malaga, Gran Canaria, Alicante and Tenerife.

Norwegian also announced new routes and increased frequencies on existing routes from Finland, Denmark, Norway and England.

From Sweden and Denmark, the Norwegian winter offer even more departures to several Spanish destinations. From Stockholm, Norwegian is increasing number of flights to Malaga from five to six times per week, to Las Palmas from four to five, Alicante 4-5 and Tenerife from 2 to 3 times a week.

From Gothenburg, Norwegian is increasing the number of flights to Tenerife from one to two times a week. The cvompany is increasing the Copenhagen-Malaga route from eight to nine times a week.

Norwegian has got a very nice reception in the Finnish market and the number of passengers increases constantly resulting in new routes and more departures. For the winter season, Norwegian will fly directly from Oulu to Tenerife and from Turku to Alicante. In addition to these new routes, Norwegian also extends the direct route between Oulu and Alicante in the winter program.

To meet market demand, Norwegian is also increasing flights from Helsinki to several Spanish destinations. The direct flights to Tenerife increases from two to three times a week, Alicante from four to six and Las Palmas from three to four times a week.

As previously reported, Norwegian continues to grow internationally and is launching 11 new routes from Germany to several Spanish destinations. From Hamburg, Norwegian Air Shuttle routes to Alicante, Malaga, Las Palmas and Tenerife. From Cologne launched routes to Alicante, Malaga, Las Palmas and Tenerife. From Munich there will be direct routes to Alicante, Malaga and Tenerife.

In other news, Norwegian has announced flights from London Gatwick to the popular Spanish Canary Island of Fuerteventura starting on October 30. Norwegian will fly twice a week between London Gatwick and Fuerteventura. The new route becomes the 15th route from LGW.

Norwegian has become a significant player at London Gatwick and recently established a UK base at the airport. The airline currently has three aircraft based at London Gatwick and has increased its weekly flights from 198 in 2009 to 320 by the end of the summer.

Copyright Photo: SM Fitzwilliams Collection/AirlinersGallery.com. Boeing 737-8JP WL LN-DYW (msn 39010) with the image of Thorbjorn Egner on the tail taxies past the camera at Dublin.

Norwegian:

Norwegian and Virgin Atlantic pilots to cooperate on the Boeing 787 training and long-haul expertise, will expand in Germany

Norwegian Long Haul (Norwegian Air Shuttle) (Oslo) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Virgin Atlantic Airways (London). The agreement enables Norwegian to tap into Virgin Atlantic’s expertise on long-haul operations, while Virgin Atlantic’s instructors will receive pilot training on board Norwegian’s brand new 787-8 Dreamliner. Norwegian’s first Dreamliner is due for delivery at the end of June.

The cooperation with Virgin Atlantic will enable Norwegian’s long-haul pilots to make use of the airline’s vast long-haul experience. Virgin Atlantic will make all its training material available to Norwegian.

Virgin Atlantic’s pilots to train on board Norwegian’s 787 Dreamliner

At the same time, Virgin Atlantic’s 787 instructors will conduct the final part of their pilot training on board Norwegian’s Dreamliners. Virgin Atlantic’s most experienced instructors will continue flying on board Norwegian’s aircraft until the airline receives its first 787 Dreamliner in September 2014, just over a year after Norwegian’s first Dreamliner delivery.

“Introducing a new aircraft type to an airline is an extensive affair. It is therefore important that we learn from each other,” says Director of Flight Operations Norwegian Long Haul, Torstein Hoås.

A great advantage to both parties

“Virgin Atlantic is a successful long-haul airline with almost 30 years of Trans-Atlantic experience. It will be very beneficial for us to receive this support. At the same time, we are looking forward to helping Virgin Atlantic introduce the 787 Dreamliner to its fleet. The cooperation will be a great advantage to both parties,” he continues.

Virgin Atlantic will be the launch customer in Europe of the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, a slightly bigger version of the 787-8 Dreamliner. In the agreement signed on Friday, Virgin Atlantic states that it will train a number of Norwegian pilots on board its future Dreamliners.

“Virgin Atlantic are delighted to announce our training partnership with Norwegian. Our combined experience is being effectively utilised to ensure the safe and efficient introduction of the Boeing 787 aircraft to our fleet. We have much in common with Norwegian, having similar high quality training requirements, which has allowed our partnership to take shape,” says Captain Dave Kistruck, GM of Flight Operations for Virgin Atlantic.

In other news, Norwegian is expanding in the Germany-Spain market. The company has issued this statement:

Norwegian Air Shuttle continues its European expansion. The company has announced that it will launch new routes from Hamburg, Cologne and Munich to several Spanish destinations this autumn.

“The expansion in the German market is part of our future strategy to expand our presence outside of the Nordic region in order to meet the strong competition in the airline industry. We see that Germans frequently choose Norwegian when flying to Scandinavia and we believe that there is a demand for a quality airline that offers inexpensive fares between Germany and Spain. We are looking forward to welcoming passengers on board our modern and more eco-friendly aircraft,” said CEO of Norwegian Bjørn Kjos.

From the end of October, Norwegian launches brand new routes between Germany and Spain and will fly to Malaga, Alicante, Gran Canaria and Tenerife from Hamburg and Cologne. From Munich, Norwegian will offer flights to Malaga, Alicante and Tenerife.

Strong expansion

Norwegian is Europe’s third largest low-fare airline. As one of the fastest growing airlines in Europe, it is establishing itself outside of the Nordic region by opening bases in the UK and Spain. At the end of the month, Norwegian will, as the first European low-fare airline, commence long-haul flights to the US and Asia.

From Hamburg

Hamburg-Malaga (November 1), 3 weekly flights, from EUR 29,- one way
Hamburg-Alicante (November 1), 3 weekly flights, from EUR 29,- one way
Hamburg-Gran Canaria (October 27), 2 weekly flights, from EUR 49,- one way
Hamburg-Tenerife (October 27), 2 weekly flights, from EUR 49,- one way

From Cologne

Cologne-Malaga (October 31), 3 weekly flights, from EUR 29,- one way
Cologne-Alicante (November 1), 2 weekly flights, from EUR 29,- one way
Cologne-Gran Canaria (October 28), 2 weekly flights, from EUR 49,- one way
Cologne-Tenerife (October 28), 2 weekly flights, from EUR 49,- one way

From Munich

Munich-Malaga (November 1), 2 weekly flights, from EUR 39,- one way
Munich-Alicante (October 31), 2 weekly flights, from EUR 39,- one way
Munich-Tenerife (October 29), 2 weekly flights, from EUR 59,- one way

Norwegian:

Virgin Atlantic:

Norwegian swings to an operating profit of $40.9 million in the first quarter

Norwegian Air Shuttle (Norwegian.com) (Oslo) issued the following statement (translated from Norwegian):

Norwegian has announced a quarterly profit before tax of 238 million Norwegian crowns ($40.9 million). This is better than last year and one of its best first quarter results. The quarter was characterized by good traffic growth and international expansion and a substantial reduction of costs which strengthens the company’s competitive position in an industry with fierce competition.

Norwegian had sales of 2.9 billion Norwegian kroner in the first quarter, an increase of 23 percent compared with the same period last year. Earnings before tax (EBT) ranked -160 million NOK, SEK 238 million compared to the first quarter of 2012. 3.9 million passengers flew with the airline, which is a traffic growth of 8 per cent in terms of number of passengers. The traffic growth (RPK) was much higher, 19 percent, which is also linked to each Norwegian passengers now fly much longer distances than they did a year ago.

The figures also show a strong growth in production, an increase of 21 percent (ASK). The load factor for the first quarter was 76 percent, down one percentage point compared to the same quarter last year.

During the first quarter decreased cost (CASK) of 8 percent, both including and excluding fuel. Cost cuts explained by the establishment of new European bases and that the company will phase in a growing number of brand new Boeing 737-800’s, including 6 aircraft already delivered this year. April 1 opened Norwegian a new base at Gatwick in London, where the company until now launched 14 direct routes, including a number of popular Mediterranean destinations. Norwegian also opened a new base in Alicante in late March.

Norwegian’s overall production growth is expected to be over 25 percent in 2013 based on the company is phasing in new aircraft, launch more new routes and start to fly long-haul routes from late May / early June.

“We are very pleased with the results for the first quarter and that, in a seasonally weak quarter for many airlines, made a profit of 238 million kronor. The load factor was stable despite strong output growth. At the same time we reduce our costs significantly, which is absolutely critical to be a competitive player in the international industry. It is also gratifying that our growth is creating new jobs in several markets, including outside Scandinavia. Our strategy regarding cost reduction and international expansion is also the most important thing we can do to secure the many jobs we all have already created in Scandinavia”, said Norwegian’s CEO Bjorn Kjos.

Top Copyright Photo: Antony J. Best. Norwegian Air Shuttle (Norwegian.com) Boeing 737-81D WL LN-NOR (msn 39412) (Povel Ramel) arrives at London (Gatwick).

Norwegian:

Bottom Copyright Photo: Norwegian. Another view of LN-NOR in scenic Norway.

Norwegian is coming to Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood

Norwegian Air Shuttle (Norwegian.com) (Oslo) this coming winter season will add new long-range service to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport from both Stockholm (Arlanda) and Copenhagen.

Norwegian will fly twice a week between Stockholm (ARN) and Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood (FLL) on Thursdays and Sundays. Departure from ARN will be at 14:45, arriving at FLL at 19:30 local time. Departure from FLL will be at 21:30, arriving at ARN at 13:00 on the next day. The first flight will start on December 1.

Norwegian will fly twice a week between Copenhagen (CPH) and Fort Lauderdale /Hollywood (FLL) on Mondays and Fridays starting on November 29. Departure from CPH will be at 14:45, arriving at FLL at 19:30 local time.

The new services will be operated with Hifly Airbus A340-300s pending the delivery of the delayed Boeing 787-8s.

Norwegian:

Norwegian’s 2012 pre-tax profit expands to $112.4 million

Norwegian Air Shuttle (Norwegian.com) (Oslo) reported a full-year pre-tax profit of 623 million Norwegian kroner ($112.4 million), an increase of 457 million Norwegian kroner ($82.5 million), compared with 2011. According to the carrier, “2012 was characterized by high traffic growth and international expansion with many new routes and the establishment of new bases.”

Sales for 2012 amounted to 12.9 billion Norwegian kroner, an increase of 22 percent. Norwegian flew 17.7 million passengers in 2012, an increase of 2 million (13 percent). The load factor for 2012 was 79 percent, the same as last year.

In 2012, Norwegian took delivery of 13 brand new Boeing 737-800 aircraft. This year, Norwegian will continue to phase in new aircraft – 14 Boeing 737-800s and 3 Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft.

Copyright Photo: Terry Wade. Norwegian is gradually phasing out its Boeing 737-300s and many of its special aircraft schemes. The pictured Boeing 737-3S3 LN-KKY (msn 29245) in the special ACTA livery at London (Gatwick) in 2011 went to Transaero Airlines as EI-ERP.

Norwegian:

Routes from Oslo:

Please click on the map for the full size view.

Norwegian to add six routes from Copenhagen next summer

Norwegian Air Shuttle (Norwegian.com) (Oslo) is launching six new routes from Copenhagen Kastrup Airport to Corfu, Lisbon, Liverpool, Madrid, Montpellier and Sarajevo next summer. Norwegian is also increasing capacity to a number of existing destinations including Malaga, Nice, Palma and Faro.

Copyright Photo: Paul Denton. Boeing 737-8JP LN-DYS (msn 39007) with Niels Henrik Abel, Norwegian mathematician, on the tail, taxies to the runway at Geneva.

Norwegian:

Norwegian to add two new routes to Alicante, Spain, announces the new routes from the new London Gatwick base

Norwegian Air Shuttle (Norwegian.com) (Oslo) on April 3, 2013, will launch its second international route from Umeå Airport to Alicante, Spain. In addition, on April 9, 2013, Norwegian will also launch its second international route from Karlstad Airport to Alicante.

In addition the low-cost carrier has announced the new routes from the new London (Gatwick) base (see below).

Copyright Photo: Terry Wade. Boeing 737-8JP LN-NOW (msn 37817) with Norwegian painter Oda Krohg on the tail approaches London (Gatwick) for landing.

Norwegian:

London Gatwick Route Map:

Norwegian LGW Route Map

Norwegian announces its new long-haul Boeing 787 Dreamliner routes and schedules

Norwegian Air Shuttle (Norwegian.com) (Oslo) today announced its new long-haul Boeing 787 Dreamliner routes and schedules. The company will launch a new service to New York (JFK) and Bangkok from Stockholm and Oslo. The company’s first long-haul flight from Stockholm to New York departs on May 31, 2013 and the first flight to Bangkok departs on June 20, 2013.

Norwegian has eight Dreamliners on order. Norwegian’s first Dreamliner will be delivered in April 2013 while the second and the third to be delivered in June and November 2013. Four aircraft follow in 2014 and the 2015.

Stockholm (ARN) – New York (JFK) three times a week

During the period of May 31 to June 25, 2013, Norwegian will fly from Stockholm to New York twice a week, every Monday and Friday. Departure from Arlanda (ARN) is at 17:05 local time with the arrival at JFK at 19:30 local time. Departure from JFK is at 21:00 with the arrival at ARN at 10:45 a.m. the next day. From June 26, the number of departures goes to three times a week, every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

Stockholm (ARN) – Bangkok (BKK) three times a week

Starting on June 20, 2013 Norwegian will fly from Stockholm to Bangkok three times a week, every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Departure from ARN is at 14.50 with the arrival at BKK at 6:00 the next day. Departure time from BKK is at 07:30 with the arrival at ARN at 13.45.

Oslo (OSL) – New York (JFK) three times a week

During the period of May 30 to June 24, 2013 Norwegian will fly from Oslo Gardermoen (OSL) to New York twice a week, every Thursday and Sunday. From June 25, the number of departures goes to three, every Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday. Departure from OSL is at 17:30, arriving into JFK at 19:30 local time. Departure from JFK is at 21:00, with arrival at OSL at 10.20 the next day.

Oslo (OSL) – Bangkok (BKK) three times a week.

During the period from June 1 to June 23, 2013 Norwegian will fly twice a week to Bangkok, every Wednesday and Saturday. Departure from OSL is at 09:00 on Wednesdays with the arrival at BKK at 00:30 local time the next day. On Saturdays departure time is at 14:30, arriving at BKK at 06:00 local time the next day. From June 24, the number of departures goes to three; every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday. Departure time is at 14:30 from OSL, with the arrival at BKK at 6:00 the next day.

For more information on Norwegian’s long-range effort and the 787 Dreamliner, see the company’s new long-haul portal here .

Norwegian Air Shuttle:

Norwegian to make London Gatwick and Alicante new operational bases

Norwegian Air Shuttle (Norwegian.com) (Oslo) is upgrading its presence at both London (Gatwick) and Alicante to operational bases. The company issued this statement (translated from Norwegian):

In the spring of 2013 Norwegian establishes an additional European base, this time in London. The company will also establish a base in Alicante, Spain. From the base in London, Norwegian will offer a range of direct services to popular destinations around the Mediterranean and in the North. With the new base in England, the company will be well positioned to meet the competition from Asian and European airlines in the long distance market.

The new base is established at London Gatwick, where Norwegian is already a significant player. With more than 100 flights a week, is the company’s largest destination outside the Nordic region. Norwegian see a large passenger potential of several million travelers from London and surrounding areas. The base in Alicante will serve an important part of Norwegian’s Spanish production, similar to the already established bases in Malaga and Las Palmas.

The Company will place three Boeing 737-800 aircraft on the London base of the start-up phase, and then expand to four in the latter part of 2013. The first flights are planned for the summer 2013 program that starts at the beginning of april. Pilots and cabin crew recruited locally.

The background to the establishment is to position Norwegian facing future competition both on short-haul intra-European and long-haul market. Growth and volume necessary to be competitive in today’s international aviation industry. Growth must also be outside the region. While it is expected that the largest growth in traffic and tourist flows in the future come from Asia into Europe. Should we as a Scandinavian airlines remain competitive and at the same time take advantage of the huge traffic growth must now position itself in Europe and Asia, said Norwegian’s CEO Bjorn Kjos.

Norwegian currently has operational bases in Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland and Spain. A new base for Norwegian long-distance companies are being established in Bangkok.

On the financial side, the company issued this statement:

Norwegian reported a profit before tax of close to NOK 900 million. This is the company’s best quarterly results ever and an improvement of 187 million compared to the same period last year. New aircraft have saved the company 28 million NOK in fuel costs compared to the same quarter last year. The savings company itself offset by an extra bill of NOK 25 million as a result of a shortage of air traffic controllers in Norwegian Avinor.

In the third quarter, flew Norwegian nearly 5.2 million passengers. That’s 580,000 more than last year and also a new record for the company. The quarter was also characterized by a high load factor of 82 percent. Any passengers flew on average longer which is reflected in passenger traffic (RPK) increased by 17 percent in the third quarter, seat capacity (ASK) increased by 20 percent.

Norwegian Air Shuttle: