Tag Archives: 737-8JP

Norwegian launches its U.S. flights to Martinique and Guadeloupe

Norwegian Air Shuttle (Norwegian.com) Boeing 737-8JP WL LN-DYU (msn 39008) (Jorn Utzon) (Wireless Internet on Board) TFS (Paul Bannwarth). Image: 930281.

Norwegian Air Shuttle’s (Norwegian.com) (Oslo) inaugural flight from Boston to the French Caribbean island of Martinique will take off today, while the first flights from New York and Baltimore/Washington to Martinique and Guadeloupe also departing this week.

 

Norwegian will be the only airline to offer free WiFi and live TV service between the U.S. and Caribbean using its Boeing 737-800 aircraft, which already operate on 29 routes from the UK to Europe.

Flight information for French Caribbean routes

From New York (JFK) to Guadeloupe– 3 weekly flights
From New York (JFK) to Martinique – 3 weekly flights
Boston (BOS) to Guadeloupe – 2 weekly flights
Boston (BOS) to Martinique – 2 weekly flights
From Baltimore / Washington (BWI) to Guadeloupe – 2 weekly flights
From Baltimore / Washington (BWI) to Martinique – 2 weekly flights

Norwegian recently launched the UK’s only direct flights to the Caribbean island of Puerto Rico and announced brand new low-cost flights to Boston from 2016 serviced by its state-of-the-art Dreamliner aircraft.

In other news, Norwegian retired its last Boeing 737-300 Classic in November.

Copyright Photo: Paul Bannwarth/AirlinersGallery.com. Boeing 737-8JP LN-DYU (msn 39008) with “Wireless Internet on Board” sub-titles and the image of Jorn Utzon on the tail, arrives at Tenerife Sur.

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Norwegian and easyJet adopt a “two-person” cockpit rule

Norwegian Air Shuttle (Norwegian.com) (Oslo) and easyJet (UK) (London-Luton) have become early adopters of a new “two persons” cockpit rule in the wake of the devastating news of what caused Germanwings flight 4U 9525 to crash in the French Alps. The rule is already in place in the United States.

In addition, Deutsche Welle is reporting “Germany’s BDL aviation federation announced late Thursday that airlines such as Lufthansa and Airberlin intended to immediately enact the two-person rule in consultation with the Federal Office of Civil Aviation.”

Read the full report: CLICK HERE

Above Copyright Photo: Keith Burton/AirlinersGallery.com. In celebration of the new 26th base at Amsterdam, easyJet has introduced this new Amsterdam logo jet on Airbus A319-111 G-EZDN (msn 3608) painted at Southend. The new theme was rolled out of the paint shop on March 25.

In other news, overshadowed by the stunning Germanwings crash investigation announcements, easyJet yesterday (March 26) celebrated the opening of its new base at Francisco de Sá Carneiro Airport in Porto. Three new UK routes from Manchester, Bristol and London Luton Airports to the new Porto base will be launched this summer.

Flights from Bristol to Porto will commence on April 19 and operate on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.

Porto is the 25th base of easyJet’s network and the airline will also inaugurate its 26th base in Amsterdam on March 31.

easyJet started its operations in Portugal in 1999 and flies now to 48 destinations in Europe being the third largest airline in the country with 12% market share and more than 4 million passengers carried in 2014. easyJet flies to Faro, Funchal, Porto and Lisbon and from 29 March a service will start connecting the capital with Ponta Delgada in Azores.

Top Copyright Photo: Paul Bannwarth/AirlinersGallery.com. Boeing 737-8JP WL LN-NIF (msn 39434) with Finnish writer and social activist Minna Canth on the tail arrives at Tenerife Sur.

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Norwegian’s pilots will strike tomorrow affecting traffic in Norway, Sweden and Denmark

Norwegian Air Shuttle (Norwegian Air Norway) (Norwegian.com) (Oslo) will be impacted by a pilots strike tomorrow (March 4) affecting operations in Norway, Sweden and Denmark. The pilots, as previously reported, are represented by the NPU. The pilots are protesting the outsourcing of jobs. Norwegian has issued this statement (translated from Norwegian):

Over 35 000 customers will be affected tomorrow by a pilot strike at Norwegian. Norwegian’s management has since the weekend been trying to reach a solution with the Norwegian Pilot Union (NPU) and the union Parat to avoid even more travelers suffering, without success.

Despite several attempts by the Norwegian’s leadership to get to constructive talks to avoid an escalation of the strike, this has not been possible to get into a dialogue. This leads unfortunately that all domestic flights in Norway, Sweden and Denmark set for tomorrow, Wednesday March 4, will be impacted. All departures between the Scandinavian capitals are also set.

Norwegian really regrets that passengers will be affected by the flight cancellations. We will do everything we can to take care of our passengers in the best possible way. Anyone who has registered a mobile phone number on his Norwegian-profile and will be affected by the strike will receive SMS by Norwegian.

Copyright Photo: Ton Jochems/AirlinersGallery.com. Norwegian Air Shuttle Boeing 737-8JP LN-NOW (msn 37817) with Oda Krohg on the tail taxies from the gate at Trondheim, Norway (TRD).

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Norwegian records its first annual loss after 7 years of profits for 2014 due to expansion and fuel hedging

Norwegian Air Shuttle (Norwegian.com) (Oslo) recorded a net loss of NOK 1.05 billion ($138.5 million) for 2014, a surprising change from a net profit of NOK 322 million $42.4 million) in 2013. Norwegian blamed the reversal on its expansion and fuel hedging. The airline issued these details (translated from Norwegian):

Norwegian’s results for 2014 are characterized by strong revenue growth, increase in capacity and investment for the future. Fuel hedging for 2015 represents a major expense item on the 459 million Norwegian kroner, which affects the annual result significantly. Major expenses for 2015 has thus been taken already in the beginning of the year. Results for the year amounted to -1.05 billion NOK compared to 322 million Norwegian kroner for 2013.

After seven years of surpluses presents Norwegian negative annual results. Sales amounted however, to 19.5 billion NOK – an increase of 25 percent. Capacity (ASK) increased by 35 percent, yet the load factor of 81 percent, up three percentage points from the previous year. A total of 24 million passengers traveled with Norwegian in 2014, an increase of 16 percent from 2013.

For the fourth quarter totaled underlying earnings to the same level as in 2013. The deficit of -958 million NOK depends largely on fuel hedging for 2015 and a weak krone. Thanks to the transfer of large parts of the Norwegian’s fleet to the subsidiary Arctic Asset Aviation Ltd. (AAA), the value of aircraft increased as the dollar. This has had a positive effect on 361 million Norwegian kroner on equity, which effectively compensates currency losses for operations during the fourth quarter of 2014.

Explanation of results in 2014

Major changes in exchange rates and fuel hedging for 2015 negatively impacted earnings and accounted for 690 million Norwegian kroner for the year as a whole. Furthermore, delays in the long lines cost the company 265 million Norwegian kroner in 2014. These costs include lease expenses, additional fuel and the cost of hotels, food and drink to delayed passengers. Cost of delay in the approval of the EU’s application for a US pilot’s license totaled EUR 117 million Norwegian kroner. Only “one-man strike” among cabin staff union Parat effected in May 2014 being accounted for 101 million Norwegian kroner.

Fourth quarter 2014

In the fourth quarter the Norwegian 4.6 billion Norwegian kroner, an increase of 22 percent compared to the same quarter last year. Profit amounted to SEK -958 million NOK compared to -194 million Norwegian kroner last year. During the fourth quarter flew 5.65 million passengers, with the company which corresponds to a passenger growth of eight percent. Capacity growth increased further towards the end of the year to 21 percent, while load factor increased by three percentage points to 81 percent.

“There is no reason to hide the fact that 2014 was a weak year for Norwegian. At the same time, we see several bright spots in the beginning of 2015. 2014 was marked by international expansion, particularly substantial investment in long-haul traffic. We notice that our growth strategy takes the form of an even stronger foothold internationally. Despite high investment costs, we have managed to reduce unit costs and renewed fleet further so that the average age is now down to 4 years.

We enter 2015 with good demand for air travel and get the full effect of low oil prices during the first quarter. Meanwhile, there is no doubt that the costs must be reduced further to ensure the company’s competitiveness in a very tough industry”, says Norwegian’s CEO Bjørn Kjos.

Copyright Photo: SPA/AirlinersGallery.com. Norwegian Boeing 737-8JP WL LN-NGD (msn 39049) with the image of Ivo Caprino on the tail arrives at Gatwick Airport near London.

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Norwegian carries a record number of passengers in 2014

Norwegian Air Shuttle (Norwegian.com) (Oslo) set a new passenger  record in 2014 with nearly 24 million passengers. The carrier transported three million more passengers in 2014 than the previous year. Since its inception in 2002, 130 million passengers have traveled with Norwegian.

According to the airline, “2014 was characterized by high capacity growth but also a high load factor. The load factor in 2014 was 81 percent against 78 percent in 2013. In 2014, the airline renewed the fleet considerably, launched many new routes – both intercontinental and in Europe and established new bases in the United States and Spain.”

Copyright Photo: SPA/AirlinersGallery.com. Boeing 737-8JP LN-DYG (msn 39165) with Swedish opera singer, Jenny Lind, arrives in London at Gatwick Airport.

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Norwegian operates its first biofuel flight on November 11

Norwegian’s Captain Georg Myhre before take-off.

Norwegian Air Shuttle (Norwegian.com) (Oslo) on November 11 operated its first biofuel flight. The airline issued this statement (translated from Norwegian):

Norwegian for the first time operated a flight with biofuel on November 11, 2015. Norwegian’s flight DY 631 between Bergen and Oslo had nearly 50 percent biofuel in the tank. This corresponds to 40 percent less emissions than an average flight with ordinary fuel.

Norwegian’s CEO Bjorn Kjos brought Norway’s Climate and Environment Tine Sundtoft aboard this rare but very important flight between Bergen and Oslo. The new Norwegian Boeing 737-8JP  with the registration of LN-NIF (msn 39434) was filled with sustainable fuel and let out a total of 3178 kg or 40 grams per passenger kilometer. Older aircraft with normal jet fuel emits 5786 kilograms or 74 grams per passenger kilometer on the same route.

At Norwegian, we are very keen to do all we can to make flying more environmentally friendly. Norwegian has a clear goal of reducing CO2 emissions by 30 percent per passenger during the period 2008 to 2015. The most important environmental measure is to have the new aircraft, and Norwegian’s fleet is among the newest and most environmentally friendly in Europe. But the new aircraft is not enough. Sustainable biofuels is also important. This flight with biofuel from Bergen to Oslo is an important milestone in the industry’s joint efforts to make sustainable biofuels available to airlines, said Norwegian’s CEO Bjorn Kjos.

With the development of new technologies and the conditions that give the airlines a good incentive to invest in environmentally friendly options, like Norwegian help make aviation carbon neutral before in 2050.

Photo: Norwegian. Norwegian’s Captain Georg Myhre before take-off of the historic flight.

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9 air takes delivery of its first Boeing 737-800, preparing to start operations

9 air (9air.com) (Nine Star Airways) (Guangzhou and Bangkok) as we previously reported is a new budget airline in China. On August 27 the new company took delivery of its first Boeing 737-800, the pictured 737-8GP B-1715 (msn 39819). The company hopes to launch scheduled passenger operations next month when a second aircraft is delivered.

According to Reuters, 9 Air finalized its order for 50 Boeing 737 jets, becoming the second Chinese carrier which operates an all-Boeing fleet.

The order includes a mix of Boeing Next-Generation 737 jets and 737 MAX aircraft.

9 air is owned by privately held Juneyao Airlines which is an Airbus A320 operator.

Nine Star Airways also intends to operate Airbus A320s from Bangkok.

Copyright Photo: Ivan K. Nishimura/Blue Wave Group/AirlinersGallery.com. B-1715 passes through Honolulu. B-1715 is one of three 737-800s leased from Transportation Partners (Lion Air) which are being leased in order to start operations.

 

Norwegian continues to build up its presence at London’s Gatwick Airport, reports a 2Q net profit of $20.5 million

Norwegian Air Shuttle’s (Norwegian.com) (Oslo) route network from London Gatwick continues to expand. Norwegian is adding four new destinations this winter; Madeira and La Palma for the sun-seekers and Grenoble and Salzburg for the ski enthusiasts.

Norwegian is also increasing the number of weekly departures on its routes from London Gatwick to Lanzarote, Rome and Larnaca.

From October 28 and November 1, respectively, Norwegian offers sun-seekers two weekly flights from London Gatwick to the Portuguese island of Madeira and one weekly flight to La Palma in the Canary Islands. Those more keen on white and powdery conditions in the Alps this winter, can from December 13 fly nonstop to Grenoble and Salzburg once a week.

Today, Norwegian is a major player at London Gatwick airport. The airline established a crew base at the airport in 2013 and now offers 41 routes from London Gatwick. Norwegian has eight Boeing 737-800 aircraft based at London Gatwick today as well as around 90 pilots and 200 cabin crew members.

On the financial side, Norwegian (NAS) reported a second quarter 2014 net profit of 128 million NOK ($20.5 million). According to the carrier, “The second quarter is characterized by strong growth and a record high load factor, and influenced by significant, one-off costs, a weak Norwegian currency and high oil prices. The strike from labor union Parat earlier this year alone cost Norwegian over 100 million NOK in lost revenue.

The second quarter figures also reflect Norwegian’s growth strategy and the company’s goal to fill all its new seats. Despite significant costs related to the start-up of the long-haul operation and higher costs due to the weak Norwegian currency, the unit cost (CASK) is down, strengthening Norwegian’s competitive advantage further. Over the past year, Norwegian has introduced seven Dreamliner aircraft to its long-haul operation.

The total revenue in the second quarter was over 5 BNOK, up 26 percent from the same quarter last year. The pre-tax result (EBT) was -137 MNOK. 6.4 million passengers chose to travel with Norwegian during the second quarter, which is an increase of 16 percent and almost 900 000 passengers more than the same period last year. The company’s traffic growth (RPK) was considerably higher at 46 percent, which reflects that each of Norwegian’s passengers on average flies significantly longer than they did a year ago.”

Record high load factor

Norwegian realized a strong production growth (ASK) of 41 percent. The growth is, naturally, stronger in new markets. Despite Norwegian’s strong capacity growth, the company is still filling its seats. The load factor in this quarter was 80 percent, up three percentage points from the same quarter last year, which is record high for a second quarter.

Copyright Photo: Ton Jochems/AirlinersGallery.com. Boeing 737-8JP LN-NGT (msn 41125) taxies at Palma de Mallorca (PMI) with Anton K.H. Jakobsen on the tail.

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Current routes from London Gatwick:

Norwegian 7.2014 LGW Route Map (LRW)

Norwegian opens its new Madrid base

Norwegian Air Shuttle (Norwegian.com) (Oslo) on June 3 inaugurated its new base in Madrid.

The base in Madrid is Norwegian’s sixth Spanish base along with Barcelona, ​​Alicante, Malaga, Las Palmas and Tenerife. Norwegian also has bases in Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland, UK, USA and Thailand.

Two Boeing 737-800 aircraft will be stationed in Madrid and about 75 pilots and cabin staff have been recruited to the base. Norwegian has now 64 flights a week from Madrid to eight destinations (Stockholm, Copenhagen, London, Helsinki, Oslo, Malta, Hamburg and Warsaw).

The six bases in Spain together have 116 routes to and from Spain.

Copyright Photo: Paul Bannwarth/AirlinersGallery.com. Boeing 737-8JP LN-NGU (msn 39030) with special 1000th markings prepares to land on the island of Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain.

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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.

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