Norwegian today reported its fourth quarter and preliminary full-year results for 2023. For the full-year of 2023, Norwegian delivered an operating profit (EBIT) of
For the full year of 2023, the operating margin was 9 percent, also a record high for the company. For the fourth quarter of 2023, the company delivered an operating profit (EBIT) of
'I am thrilled to announce that Norwegian achieved all-time high profits for 2023. Our loyal customer base continued to grow, and we are grateful for their trust in us. Colleagues across the entire company have worked tirelessly to ensure operational excellence, ranging from the planning of our network and services to everyday execution,' said
More passengers, higher load factor
Norwegian had 4.7 million passengers in the quarter, up from 4.6 million passengers in the fourth quarter of 2022. Production (ASK) was 7.1 billion seat kilometres, while passenger traffic (RPK) was 6.0 billion seat kilometres. Compared to the previous quarter, capacity was down 32 percent as the company reduced its production to match seasonally lower demand during the winter period. The quarterly load factor was 84.4 percent, up three percentage points from the same period the previous year.
Punctuality, share of flights departing on schedule, was 81.5 percent, down from 82.3 percent in the same period the previous year. While punctuality fell in December as winter weather condition impacted operational performance at key airports, the airline managed through relentless efforts to ensure that close to all passengers made it home for the festive period. Cirium, the global aviation consultancy named
Wideroe acquisition completed
In January, Norwegian completed the acquisition of Wideroe, a regional carrier in
'We are now in the process of onboarding Wideroe as part of the Norwegian group. I very much look forward to exchange decades of experience between the two airlines. This will enable us to go to the market with an improved and more comprehensive offering to our customers,' said Karlsen.
Dividend and outlook
The Board of Directors intends to propose a dividend of
Current booking trends are encouraging, and the duration of the booking curve has improved compared to the two previous years, giving improved visibility. For the full-year of 2024, Norwegian forecasts an overall production (ASK) of around 36,000 million seat kilometres, corresponding to a growth of approximately 12 percent from 2023. The company projects profits for 2024 to improve and is currently expecting an operating profit (EBIT) to be in the range of
Norwegian's customers highly value the airline's strong punctuality and the attractive and growing route network. The acquisition of Wideroe will further ensure that Norwegian remains a preferred travel partner throughout the Nordics.
For the remainder of the winter season, Norwegian will keep a reduced capacity level that matches the seasonally lower demand. From March and onwards, the company will ramp-up capacity into the busy travel season. The company is growing its fleet to approximately 90 aircraft for the peak summer 2024 season
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