Norwegian Expects Delivery Delays Into 2026

Norwegian has held its second-quarter earnings call with the CEO, Geir Karlsen, discussing some of the company’s focuses alongside challenges.

The airline is currently fighting the increasing costs that are impacting the business. However, the CEO states that at the moment, it is happy with its internal attempts to reduce costs wherever possible, which is an essential step in the right direction.

Worldwide airlines face increased costs; ultimately, some more successfully mitigate the impact financially. Norwegian says it’s well-positioned.

Looking ahead, the airline wants to continue improving on-time performance and thus maintaining robust revels that have seen it as the most punctual European airline in May, per Cirium.

Aligning with on-time performance and its positive effects on customers, Norwegian also wants to maintain a high satisfaction level among its travellers.

However, Norwegian’s fleet side is another avenue that has presented considerable complications for the company. Delays are set to continue for quite a while, and the airline is preparing for new ones to emerge.

Aircraft deliveries that were expected to arrive in the second quarter never did. The company, therefore, says it faced cost related pressures as it couldn’t meet demand and was forced to adjust capacity to other locations to cope.

2025 for Norwegian is expected to be much the same as the airline says. It’ll expect further delivery delays, but it’ll be able to grow its fleet to just over 90 units, up from the 86 currently active planes.

However, 2026 is considered the big year when redeliveries are scheduled. While Norwegian understands this is subject to change, it’ll be an important year to expand its fleet further and work through leases of other existing aircraft.

While Boeing delays are impacting Norwegian, the airline knows this isn’t an isolated problem, as other European companies feel something similar.

Furthermore, Norwegian has been clear that Airbus customers are also feeling the heat, as Pratt & Whitney engine difficulties are grounding Airbus single-aisle jets and impacting capacity in a similar fashion.

While looking at its second-quarter results, Norwegian is not entirely happy, and there’s much to improve upon. However, it also needs to understand that there are complexities present, and the belief is things will improve in the future.