Norse Atlantic Airways reported a strong improvement in revenue performance during May 2026, with unit revenue rising 20% year-on-year as the airline continued to adjust capacity and focus on higher-yield routes.
The long-haul carrier achieved a total revenue per available seat kilometre (TRASK) of 5.4 US cents, compared with 4.5 US cents in May 2025, while maintaining one of the highest load factors in its history.
Load Factor Climbs Above 97%
Norse recorded an overall load factor of 97.4% across its scheduled network and ACMI/charter operations, up from 95.5% during the same month last year.
Within its own scheduled network, load factors remained above 93%, reflecting continued strong demand for the airline’s direct transatlantic services.
The company transported 104,234 passengers during the month, a decline of 43% compared with May 2025. However, the reduction was largely driven by strategic capacity adjustments and a greater focus on profitability rather than passenger volume.
Capacity Adjustments Support Revenue Growth
Norse reduced available capacity by 29% year-on-year as it responded to elevated fuel prices and removed routes that were generating weaker financial performance.
The airline operated 157 flights within its scheduled network during May, compared with 520 flights in the same period of 2025.
At the same time, ACMI and charter activity expanded significantly, with 256 flights operated compared with 64 a year earlier.
The growing contribution from ACMI and charter contracts continues to support Norse’s strategy of balancing scheduled passenger services with aircraft leasing and charter operations.
Strong Summer Outlook
Chief Executive Officer Eivind Roald said the airline entered the peak summer season with positive commercial momentum.
“May saw another material year-over-year improvement in unit revenues, reflecting continued strong demand for our direct long-haul transatlantic routes and the attractive Norse product,” Roald said.
He noted that Norse is successfully filling its adjusted capacity at higher average fares while maintaining strong aircraft utilisation across both scheduled and ACMI operations.
Operational Performance
Norse completed 100% of its scheduled flights during the month, maintaining the same completion rate achieved in May 2025.
Approximately 78% of flights departed within 15 minutes of their scheduled departure time, slightly lower than the 81% recorded a year earlier.
The airline said operational performance continued to be affected by air traffic control restrictions, airport congestion and broader disruptions linked to ongoing instability in the Middle East.
Focus on Profitability
Despite geopolitical uncertainty and higher operating costs, Norse continues to prioritise route optimisation and disciplined capacity management.
The combination of higher fares, strong demand and expanded ACMI activity has helped strengthen revenue performance as the airline prepares for its busiest travel period of the year.
