The total number of passengers flown in May 2008 was 612,381 compared to 562,293 last year, an increase of 50,088 passengers (9%), and a 27% increase in passenger traffic. “We are satisfied with the positive development in cabin factor and increase in passenger traffic. The strike in Avinor affected Norwegian with less passengers than expected in May,” says CEO Bjorn Kjos in Norwegian.

• Total passenger traffic (RPK) increased by 27 %, compared to last year.
• Total capacity (ASK) increased by 26 %, compared to last year.
• The cabin factor was 79%, which is an increase of 1 percentage point compared to the same period last year.
• The company estimates a yield around NOK 0.60 for May 2008.

The increase in passenger traffic, production and passengers is related to the company’s expansion in well established markets and to the introduction of new routes from June 2007 to May 2008, as well as adjustments in production capacity and a steady increase in passengers. The strike in the Norwegian Civil Aviation Authority (Avinor) adversely affected the traffic figures in May.

Domestic passenger traffic increased by 9% and capacity increased by 6%, resulting in a cabin factor of 79% which is an increase of 2 percentage point compared to the same period last year.

International passenger traffic increased by 34% and capacity increased by 34%, giving a cabin factor of 79%, which is equivalent to the same period last year.

The operation in Poland continued to show improvement compared to the corresponding period last year.

Certain routes in the Scandinavian / Nordic region continue to show pressure on yield from increased competition. Furthermore, the growth in international capacity and share of international production cause larger seasonal fluctuations compared to last year.

The yield is estimated at NOK 0.60 for the period (-10 %). The yield development is in part due to changes in the route portfolio mix, with an increased average flying distance of 16%.

Internet sales accounted for 87% of tickets sold in May.