Norwegian Air Files For Bankruptcy Protection

Sfo centurion lounge to expand

https://www.sfgate.com/travel/article/SFO-Centurion-Lounge-to-expand-15726370.php

“We will emerge from this process as a more financially secure and competitive airline” — Jet Airways made similar claims. It’s sad for all affected, but Norwegian’s downfall is long overdue.

I flew SFO-LGW on Norwegian in a brand new B787-9 for $99. I ended up upgrading to PE on one leg. I'm not sure how sustainable their long haul business model would have been in the long run let alone through an intermittent pandemic. It would be so unfortunate to see them fall, as seeing everyday folks to be able to travel to far away places in a pinch and for less was quite exciting.

Success went to their heads, and made the classic mistake of expanding too fast. They have around USD 5 billion in debt, and have 6 aircraft flying domestic routes in Norway.

I’ll be sad to see them go, but it’s not a viable business. The best case scenario I can see is someone buying their Norwegian operations, as they have in general been profitable. Everything else is then liquidated. I honestly can’t see how long creditors & shareholders are willing to bleed. However, I think it’s more likely they’ll end up in receivership.

@Walt (and others) - And yet some people are wondering why airlines continue to go bankrupt...

USD 99.00 TATL fares are not sustainable for any carrier. Norwegian thought (foolishly) that they could come into a market with dirt cheap fares to stimulate demand and then be able to somehow sustain their operation long-term.

Fools and their money. It's one thing to try this stunt in an "orphan market" with little to no major carrier competition. But coming into a place that's already extremely well-served like SFO is only being asked to have your ass handed to you on a silver platter.

In the case of Norwegian; dinner has been served.

I bet they are kicking themselves to not accepting that offer from IAG which significantly undervalued their prospects!

While I doubt it, I hope they survive. One of the only direct-to-Europe flights from my home airport of MCO.

Their premium econ was actually quite a fine way to fly the 8 hour hop without blowing the budget (or points balance).

Fingers crossed.

I flew them 2019 CDG - LAX. Return on KLM.
Brand new 787 on Norwegian, old 747 on KLM. Would choose Norwegian any day again. Sad to see them go....

What about those who have a summer 2021 reservation already? I haven't been notified the flight is cancelled.