In June, Norwegian had 2,245,735 passengers while Widerøe had 346,747
passengers, totalling 2,592,482 for the group. This represents an 11 percent
increase in passengers since last June for Norwegian and a 6 percent increase
for Widerøe. The group revises its profit outlook for 2024 downwards and
provides an updated unit cost forecast.
"I am pleased about the double-digit percentage increase in passengers
travelling with Norwegian compared to June last year, as well as the positive
passenger figures for Widerøe. Primarily due to a significant capacity increase
on longer flights, Norwegian experienced a slight decrease in yield and load
factor. We are excited to continue serving a growing number of customers as they
embark on their summer holidays," said Geir Karlsen, CEO of Norwegian.
The capacity (ASK) was 3,706 million seat kilometres, up 18 percent from the
same period last year. Actual passenger traffic (RPK) was 3,126 million seat
kilometres, an increase of 16 percent from June 2023. Load factor has improved
compared to April and May, while being down 1 percentage point from June 2023.
In June, Norwegian operated with a regularity, meaning share of scheduled
flights taking place, of 99.4 percent. The punctuality, meaning share of flights
departing within 15 minutes of scheduled time, was 75.0 percent, down 1.4
percentage points from June last year. However, 96 percent of all flights
arrived within 60 minutes of scheduled arrival time. The airline operated an
average of 86 aircraft.
Expansion in the North
The last month also saw several route launches from Norwegian. The airline has
launched a total of 50 new routes so far this year. In particular, the Northern
Norway destinations have increased in popularity. Norwegian has established ten
new routes between Northern Norway and European cities.
"We are enthusiastic about the growing interest in Northern destinations from
Europe. The extensive networks of Norwegian and Widerøe in Norway, along with
our new routes in Sweden and Finland, allow us to connect European travellers
with the best that the North has to offer," said Geir Karlsen.
For Widerøe the capacity (ASK) in June was 185 million seat kilometres. The
actual passenger traffic (RPK) was 142 million seat kilometres, while the load
factor was 76.8 percent, up 5 percentage points from June last year.
Revised profit outlook for 2024
During its results announcement for the first quarter of 2024 on 24 April, the
Norwegian group provided a results outlook forecasting an operating profit
(EBIT) of NOK 2.5 to 3.2 billion for the full-year of 2024. The profit outlook
excluded any profits from Widerøe, the regional carrier which Norwegian acquired
in January of 2024. Unit costs excluding fuel for Norwegian was forecasted to be
flat compared to 2023. The USD/NOK exchange rate was assumed to be 10.5.
The group is now forecasting a group operating profit (EBIT) for 2024 of NOK 2.1
billion to NOK 2.6 billion, including Widerøe. The adjustment in the results
outlook is predominantly a result of four factors. Firstly, softer traffic
demand during the second quarter, with a contraction in both load factor and
yield compared to last year. Secondly, a higher than projected wage settlement
for pilots following the conclusion of new collective-bargaining agreements this
quarter. Thirdly, aircraft delivery delays from Boeing, which has forced the
company to source external capacity corresponding to between one and two
aircraft during the summer season. And finally, the NOK exchange rate has been
weaker as compared to the US dollar. The company is also forecasting unit cost
excluding fuel for Norwegian to increase by a low single-digit percentage
compared to 2023. The forecasts are based on current foreign exchange and jet
fuel forward prices for the remainder of the year.
See detailed traffic figures in the attached PDF.
For further information, please contact:
Jesper M. Hatletveit, Investor Relations at Norwegian, Tel: +47 906 64 401
Fornebu, 4 July 2024
Norwegian Air Shuttle ASA
This information is considered to be inside information pursuant to the EU
Market Abuse Regulation and is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant
to Section 5-12 the Norwegian Securities Trading Act. This stock exchange
announcement was published by Jesper M. Hatletveit, VP Investor Relations at
Norwegian Air Shuttle ASA, on 4 July 2024 at 08:00 CEST.