Norwegian Air's new Dreamliner order will give it 38 widebodies by 2020. 3Q2015 profit doubles

Norwegian's new order for 19 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners demonstrates its renewed confidence that 2015 marks the return of financial and strategic momentum. It has eight 787-8s already in operation, alongside 91 Boeing 737-800s (projected at end 2015), and now has a total of 30 787-9s due for delivery as it continues to focus its growth on long haul routes.

The new order comes as Norwegian's long haul operation starts to prove itself financially ahead of schedule, with a positive net contribution now expected in 2015. The group has also reported a more than doubling of its operating profit in 3Q2015, helped by record load factor and low fuel prices. Norwegian should comfortably surpass its 2012 record operating profit in 2015.

The new order also suggests that Norwegian's hopes of a US foreign carrier permit for its Irish subsidiary Norwegian Air International are growing. Since filing its application in Dec-2013, Norwegian has modified its approach, offering to employ only EU and US flight personnel on NAI's transatlantic services, announcing US services from Ireland and applying for a UK AOC. Such pragmatism should serve it well in securing future long haul traffic rights.