Norwegian is expanding profitably, reporting second-quarter net earnings of NOK44.7 million (US$7.8 million), more than double the NOK18 million earned in the second three months of 2006.

Operating revenue climbed 33.3% to NOK1.02 billion against a 25.2% rise in costs to NOK857.3 million. Operating profit doubled to NOK161.5 million from NOK79.6 million.

The airline operated 24 aircraft at the end of the quarter (two on wet-lease) compared to 16 at the conclusion of the year-ago period. It flew 1.4 billion RPKs, a year-over-year increase of 34%, against a 33% gain in ASKs to 1.76 billion. Load factor remained steady at 79% and passenger numbers grew 24% to 1.6 million. Unit cost fell 3.6% to NOK0.53 despite a 25.6% jump in jet fuel cost.

"There is a relative reduction in costs due to better utilization of material and personnel, more advantageous agreements, more efficient sale and distribution channels, in addition to other cost reducing measurements," the carrier said.

During the current quarter, Norwegian will expand to its entire network a seat selection option introduced on international services in April through which passengers can pay a fee to select a seat at check-in or have one randomly assigned free of charge. It also expects to receive approval and finalize its acquisition of FlyNordic during the quarter.