Norwegian Airlines News
Long-haul growth drives record passenger figures at Norwegian
Europe’s third largest low-cost airline Norwegian has reported its highest ever passenger figures in a single year - with nearly 26 million passengers in 2015 and a load factor of 86 per cent. The airline’s busiest ever year in the UK and increased long-haul operations both contributed considerably to the growth, with increased passenger numbers, more new aircraft and high load factors characterising 2015.
Norwegian reaches crew deal with OSM Aviation
Norwegian Air Resources Holding and OSM Aviation have signed an agreement to form a stronger global partnership in employment and management of aviation crew. The new partnership – where NARH acquires 50 per cent of OSM Aviation – will build on the experiences of Norwegian’s and OSM Aviation’s established relationship offering professional employment and good career opportunities.
Artic Aviation Assets confirms HK Express lease
Arctic Aviation Assets - a fully owned subsidiary of Norwegian Air Shuttle - has signed a final agreement to lease out 12 Airbus 320neo aircraft to airline HK Express. The 12 aircraft are scheduled to be delivered between 2016 and 2018. “We are delighted to work with HK Express to support their expanding network with the modern and fuel-efficient Airbus A320neo”, said Tore Jenssen, chief executive of Arctic Aviation Assets.
Norwegian retires last Boeing 737-300
Norwegian has flown its last Boeing 737-300 from Lasham in the UK to the small town of Bodø in Northern Norway. With all of Norwegian’s Boeing 737-300s phased out, the airline’s fleet now has an average age of 3.6 years making it one of the most modern and environmentally friendly in Europe. Norwegian has given the retired Boeing 737-300 as a present to the National Aviation Museum of Norway.
Norwegian continues to grow traffic in UK with launch of Caribbean routes
Norwegian carried close to two million customers in November, an increase of 11 per cent, with the traffic figures characterised by growth on intercontinental and European routes. New routes and increased flights from UK airports helped fuel growth in November.
Norwegian Reward ramps up benefits to frequent fliers
Norwegian has introduced more incentives for members of its loyalty programme, Norwegian Reward. From today, more than 300,000 UK Reward members can benefit from a choice of rewards based on the number of flights taken in a year.
Norwegian increases flight capacity in UK
Norwegian has put its late summer 2016 schedule on sale with a record 1.1 million seats available on flights to and from the UK. Over 6,000 flights are available for travel between August 15th and October 30th next year – up around five per cent compared to the same period in 2015 as the airline continues its UK growth. Norwegian has made flights available to book from London, Manchester, Edinburgh and Birmingham to 34 destinations across Europe and America.
Norwegian granted a UK Operating License by CAA
Norwegian has been granted a UK Operating License opening up bilateral traffic rights to a series of potential new markets including Asia, South America and South Africa as the airline continues its huge growth in the UK. Norwegian has grown to become the third-largest airline at Gatwick and also operates from Manchester, Birmingham, and Edinburgh.
Norwegian places $5bn Dreamliner order with Boeing
Boeing and Norwegian have finalised an order for 19 787-9 Dreamliners valued at more than $5 billion at current list prices. The order also includes options for ten more 787-9s, as the carrier looks to significantly grow its existing long-haul fleet into the next decade.
Norwegian to transport UNICEF aid to Syria
Low-cost airline Norwegian and UNICEF will send an aircraft fully loaded with emergency aid and school supplies to help Syrian children living in refugee camps. A series of initiatives are also underway allowing UK passengers to make a donation. In November, Norwegian’s UNICEF aircraft will take off for Amman, Jordan, a couple of hours’ drive from one of the largest refugee camps on the Syrian border.
Norwegian boosts sales team to target UK sales
Norwegian has appointed Dominic Tucker as head of sales, UK. He joins Mitchell Hawes, Norwegian sales manager UK&I, to bolster the fast-growing airline’s sales capacity and cement its growth in the UK. Tucker and Hawes bring over 30 years’ combined sales experience to strengthen the awareness of Norwegian’s expansive UK network which now serves 34 destinations worldwide from London, Birmingham, Manchester and Edinburgh.
Norwegian expands longhaul fleet
Norwegian has signed an agreement to acquire an additional two new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, enabling the company to launch even more long-haul routes. Both aircraft are scheduled to enter service in summer 2017. The 787-9 is larger than the eight 787-8s that Norwegian currently operates on its long-haul routes.