Norwegian Air Shuttle wants to increase its fleet to 50 aircraft in 2021 and 70 in 2022 once restrictions are lifted.

The new Norwegian will operate flights within Norway and key cities in Denmark, Sweden, and Finland. However, the airline admits it does not expect the demand to return to 2019 levels until 2023 or 2024.

“The impact on our business as a result of international travel restrictions, that have continued throughout this quarter, are as expected,” CEO Jacob Schram said.

“However, during this difficult period, Norwegian has continued to reach a number of milestones that will secure our future and ensure that the airline remains a key competitor in the European market.

“As European vaccination programs gain momentum and travel restrictions begin to ease, a new Norwegian, with a solid financial foundation, will be ready for our customers as they look to once again take to the skies.”

Norwegian has only operated nine Boeing 737-800s since December 2020. According to OAG Schedules Analyzer, the week commencing April 26, the carrier was flying 15 routes, 12 of which were from Oslo Gardermoen.