The rapidly growing airline incurred unforeseen leasing costs of around 1 billion Norwegian crowns ($123.71 million) in the summer of 2017 after a spate of cancellations left passengers stranded in airports.

The problems, similar to those of competitor Ryanair , quickly led to a scramble among low-cost airlines to recruit more senior pilots.

Norwegian will add some 25 new Boeing aircraft to its fleet this year under a long-term investment plan.

"We're much better prepared entering 2018 than we were last year, and we won't have to hire planes. We'll be fully covered, with crews," Kjos told a news conference.

The company's bookings for the coming year are also stronger than they were at the same time a year ago, even when taking into account the growth in its fleet, he added.

 

 

Copyright Reuters, 2018