Press release - 20 February 2009 10:41

Norwegian’s 2008 results: 6.2 billion in revenues – 9.2 million passengers

Oslo/Fornebu 20 February 2009: Norwegian carried 9.2 million passengers in 2008 – an increase of 2.3 million compared to last year. The Group reported revenues of 6.2 billion in 2008 – nearly 50 per cent higher than the year before. In a challenging year with high fuel prices, CEO Bjørn Kjos is pleased with the company’s performance.

- I am very pleased with reporting positive results even though the airline industry faced record high fuel prices. Our core operation in Norway deliver positive results, and we have also made a significant turnaround in Sweden, said CEO Bjørn Kjos.

The added fuel cost from the soaring fuel prices in 2008 is estimated to 529 MNOK. In addition, the company recognized unrealized losses on term contracts, amounting to MNOK 104 for 2009 hedging contracts. Adjusting for this unrealized effect Norwegian made more than MNOK 100 in profit before tax.

High fuel cost was the major contributor to the loss making Swedish operation. After the restructuring process, we are now optimistic about the future prospects for our operation in Sweden, said Kjos.

New environmentally friendly aircraft
-The Group’s traffic figures have shown high load factors and increasing yield, said Kjos, who also emphasized the introduction of a new fleet of environmentally friendly and ”green” 737-800 aircraft, which will replace the last four MD-80 during 2009.

- When the last MD-80 aircraft will be phased out during 2009, it will be a significant contribution both to the environment and to company’s ability to transport more passengers, said Kjos.

Key figures full year 2008 (2007)
Passengers: 9.2 million (6.9 million)
Revenue: 6.2 BNOK (4.2 BNOK)
Load factor: 79 % (80 %)
EBITDAR: 200 MNOK (504 MNOK)
EBITDA: -208 MNOK (+208 MNOK)
EBT: 0,7 MNOK (113 MNOK)
Key figures fourth quarter 2008 (Q4 2007)
Passengers: 2.2 million (2.0 million)
Revenue: 1.6 BNOK (1.1 BNOK)
Load factor: 77 % (77 %)
EBITDAR: - 45 MNOK (33 MNOK)
EBITDA: -169 MNOK (-36 MNOK)
EBT: -202 MNOK (-34 MNOK)

For further information, please follow the link below:
http://www.norwegian.no/sw24377.asp

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Norwegian.com

The Norwegian group is a leading Nordic aviation company, headquartered at Fornebu outside Oslo, Norway. The company has over 8,200 employees and owns two of the prominent airlines in the Nordics: Norwegian Air Shuttle and Widerøe’s Flyveselskap. Widerøe was acquired by Norwegian in 2024, aiming to facilitate seamless air travel across the two airline’s networks.

Norwegian Air Shuttle, the largest Norwegian airline with around 4,700 employees, operates an extensive route network connecting Nordic countries to key European destinations. In 2023, Norwegian carried over 20 million passengers and maintained a fleet of 87 Boeing 737-800 and 737 MAX 8 aircraft.

Widerøe’s Flyveselskap, Norway’s oldest airline, is Scandinavia’s largest regional carrier. The airline has more than 3,500 employees. Mainly operating the short-runway airports in rural Norway, Widerøe operates several state contract routes (PSO routes) in addition to its own commercial network. In 2023, the airline had 3.3 million passengers and a fleet of 48 aircraft, including 45 Bombardier Dash 8’s and three Embraer E190-E2's. Widerøe Ground Handling provides ground handling services at 41 Norwegian airports.

The Norwegian group has sustainability as a key priority and has committed to significantly reducing carbon emissions from its operations. Among numerous initiatives, the most noteworthy is the investment in production and use of fossil-free aviation fuel (SAF). Norwegian strives to become the sustainable choice for its passengers, actively contributing to the transformation of the aviation industry.