Norwegian Air Group capacity growth for 2025 is forecast to slow down from 13% projected for this year.
The Scandinavian owner of Norwegian Air and regional carrier Wideroe blamed aircraft delivery delays from Boeing “which are expected to worsen” due to an ongoing strike by more than 30,000 machinists.
The Norwegian Air fleet is currently set to increase to around 90 aircraft for next summer against 86 this summer, including 22 Boeing 737 Max 8s.
Chief executive Geir Karlsen said: “Going forward we will continue to work on streamlining the operation and identify additional synergies with Wideroe.
“We will expand our network with new and exciting destinations, while mitigating any challenges posed by the current fleet projections.”
The group noted that it was “well-positioned to tackle potential short-term fluctuations in demand” and to solidify its position as a leading airline group in the Nordics region.
Reporting improved summer quarter profits with 8.2 million passengers carried between the tow airlines, Karlsen said: “We are pleased with a solid quarter, showing increased load factors and unit revenues across both airlines, especially considering a 10% capacity increase for Norwegian.
“A record quarter for Wideroe demonstrates that the acquisition is bearing fruits, and we look forward to continuing to develop the significant synergies between the airlines.
“The booking momentum for the fourth quarter is encouraging across the group, both for leisure and business travel.
“Norwegian is operating a number of new leisure routes, including Dubai and Egypt, in addition to routes from European cities to the popular winter destinations of Tromso and Evenes.”