Norwegian CEO targets Stockholm listing and downplays fuel risks

Norwegian CEO Geir Karlsen has downplayed concerns regarding rising aviation fuel prices and potential flight cancellations. The airline has secured 55 percent of its fuel needs for the current year at prices significantly lower than current market rates, with an additional 20 to 30 percent potentially hedged for 2027.

While fuel costs have contributed to higher ticket prices, Karlsen noted that demand has stabilized as price increases reached a level passengers were no longer willing to absorb. He clarified that recent flight cancellations were due to technical reasons rather than geopolitical tensions.

Looking ahead, Norwegian is pursuing a secondary listing on the Stockholm Stock Exchange to access a deeper pool of institutional investors. Additionally, the company expects EU regulatory approval for its acquisition of Nordic Leisure Travel Group (NLTG)—which includes brands such as Ving, Spies, and Tjäreborg—before the end of the year.