By the Caribbean Journal staff
European low-cost carrier Norwegian had another strong year in 2017, according to the company’s latest data report.
Norwegian had its highest-ever passenger figures for a single calendar year, with 33 million worldwide and a load factor of 87.5 percent.
That included a major new expansion into the French Caribbean, with new routes from a host of U.S. destinations to the islands of both Martinique and Guadeloupe.
Terre de Haut, Guadeloupe.
“The 2017 traffic figures show that our international footprint grows stronger, in line with the Norwegian Group’s strategy,” said Norwegian CEO Bjørn Kjos. “Increased tourism creates economic value and new jobs at all the destinations we serve.”
The strong year was buoyed by a productive December that saw a 12 percent increase in passengers compared to the same period in 2016.
“December has been a busy travel month in all markets we serve,” Kjos said. “This winter, we once again offer flights between the U.S. East Coast and the French Caribbean islands of Martinique and Guadeloupe, enabling the company to achieve better fleet utilization in low season in Europe.”