Has Norse Atlantic proven the long-haul low-cost doubters wrong?
Norse Atlantic Airways has posted a record 99% load factor for June, marking its highest ever monthly performance and fuelling renewed debate over whether the low-cost long-haul model – once widely questioned – is finally proving its staying power.
The Norwegian airline, which launched in 2022, carried over 214,000 passengers last month across its scheduled and ACMI/charter services – a 20% year-on-year increase.
This surge in demand included 589 scheduled flights and 59 ACMI or charter operations, with both networks achieving a load factor of 99%.
That figure is up 14 percentage points compared to June 2024 and three points higher than the company’s previous record in May of this year.
Norse achieves summer success, but what about the winter?
Norse is achieving these impressive results in the peak northern summer season, and the challenge will be to stem winter losses and ensure the business can become a profitable entity longer term.
Despite challenges with air traffic control delays and congested airports impacting punctuality, CEO and founder Bjørn Tore Larsen says he remains confident in the carrier’s position.
“Norse Atlantic Airways continues to deliver a world-leading load factor and significant passenger growth. We maintain our good momentum into the busy summer months, where we will continue to deliver our affordable, value for money product to our customers worldwide,” he said.
The strong performance follows similarly positive figures for May, where the airline transported nearly 183,000 passengers – a 41% rise year-on-year – and achieved a 96% network-wide load factor.
Manchester expansion
Norse also continues to expand its network strategically, announcing a new direct service between Manchester and Bangkok, starting November 26.
The new route marks the first ever direct flight between the two cities and taps into an underserved market of more than 100,000 annual indirect travellers, the airline said.
“We don’t just follow demand – we unlock it,” said Larsen. “This route has been waiting to happen, and we’re proud to be the ones making it a reality.
“Manchester is a key gateway to the North of England, and Bangkok is a magnet for adventure, business, and culture. Connecting the two cities is a natural next step for Norse as we continue to disrupt and expand in the long-haul space.”
The risk has always been that Norse is following in the footsteps of Norwegian, which announced in 2021 that it was axing its long-haul operation in favour of a much-reduced short haul network after failing to make a success of it.
But with full aircraft and new routes rolling out, Norse may be finally shaking off the scepticism that once surrounded long-haul low-cost carriers.
