Norwegian Group Hits 1.4 Million Passengers in January Amid Operational Challenges

The Norwegian Group, comprising Norwegian Air Shuttle and recently acquired Widerøe, has reported a significant passenger total of 1.4 million in January, showcasing resilience in the face of operational hurdles such as severe winter weather. This performance not only reflects a strong start to the year but also marks the successful integration of Widerøe's operations into the group following the acquisition.

Norwegian Air Shuttle recorded 1,138,621 passengers with a notable load factor increase to 83.1 percent, up by five percentage points from the previous year. This improvement signals a robust demand for the airline's services, particularly to warmer Mediterranean destinations during the winter months.

The operational efficiency of Norwegian during this period was evident, with an average of 63 aircraft in operation and a high regularity rate of 99.0 percent for scheduled flights. However, the month's operations were not without challenges. The adverse winter conditions impacted punctuality, with 76.7 percent of flights departing within 15 minutes of the scheduled time.

Geir Karlsen, CEO of Norwegian, acknowledged the impact of seasonal weather on operations and expressed appreciation for the staff's efforts in minimizing customer disruptions. "Our operations during the winter season are affected by seasonal weather and particular winter storms. I would like to give thanks to the tireless effort of our colleagues, who have ensured that our disruptions are kept to a minimum, to the benefit of our many customers," he stated.

The integration of Widerøe into the Norwegian Group follows the Norwegian Competition Authority's approval of the acquisition in December, with the transaction completed on January 12. The merger has already led to operational changes, including Norwegian's switch to Widerøe Ground Handling from February 1 across many Norwegian airports, aiming to enhance customer offerings and travel options.

Widerøe also reported growth, with a 4 percent increase in production and an 8 percent rise in passenger numbers compared to the same period last year. Its load factor improved by 3 percentage points, indicating strong demand for its regional services.

The Norwegian Group's January performance and strategic initiatives, including the fuel hedging for approximately 50 percent of its projected consumption at levels close to current forward prices, illustrate a focused approach to managing operational challenges and market demands. As the group moves through 2024, the integration of Widerøe and a commitment to operational excellence and customer satisfaction remain central to its strategy for growth and competitiveness in the global aviation market.