OSLO, Feb 16 (Reuters) - Norwegian Air reported fourth-quarter operating earnings above forecasts on Friday, and said it expected to increase its profits this year.

Its October-December operating profit came in at 328 million Norwegian crowns ($31.08 million), above the 177 million crowns forecast in a poll of analysts compiled by the company.

"I am thrilled to announce that Norwegian achieved all-time high profits for 2023," CEO Geir Karlsen said in a statement.

The budget airline said its capacity - as measured by available seat kilometres (ASK) - is expected to rise by 12% this year, while it expects 2024 operating profit of between 2.5 billion and 3.2 billion crowns, up from 2.2 billion in 2023. (Reporting by Stine Jacobsen, editing by Terje Solsvik)