Low-cost carrier Norwegian today reported record quarterly results for the summer period as carryings grew by almost one million.
Passenger numbers were up to 8.58 million from 7.69 million in the same three month period last year.
This enabled the airline to achieve a net profit of NOK 993 million (£99 million), up by NOK 160 million year-on-year. Revenue rose by 15% to NOK 8.4 billion.
The strongest passenger growth as seen in Spain – the second largest market for the airline.
The number of US passengers also increased as transatlantic flights were started from Paris and Barcelona.
The share of internet sales declined by a single percentage point to 74% from the same time in 2015, while ancillary revenue grew by 10% to NOK 139 per passenger.
So far this year, Norwegian has taken delivery of three new Boeing 787 Dreamliners and 14 Boeing 737-800s to bring the fleet up to 114 aircraft.
Capacity is due to rise by 30% next year, following a rise of 18% in 2016 with the introduction of new Boeing 737-MAX aircraft and an expanding fleet of Boeing 787 Dreamliners, which will rise to 21 aircraft by the end of 2017.
Looking forward, the airline said: “The demand for travelling with Norwegian and advance bookings have been satisfactory entering the fourth quarter of 2016.
“Norwegian will continue to take advantage of its increasing competitive power realised through continuous cost efficiency, and from introducing larger aircraft – 17 new Boeing 737-800Ws and four new Boeing 787-9s will be delivered in 2016 – with a lower operating cost.
“Norwegian may decide to adjust capacity in order to optimise the route portfolio depending on the development in the overall economy and in the marketplace.”
Chief executive Bjørn Kjos said: “I am very pleased to report Norwegian’s best quarterly result ever and grateful that our loyal customers worldwide continue to fly with us.
“The overall development is good in all markets, and the biggest growth is in Spain, particularly on domestic routes. The routes between London and Paris and the US are in high demand.