This was an 11% growth in passenger numbers year on year and led to an increase in load factor of 3.4 percentage points to 88.3%.

Total traffic growth (RPK) grew by 15% and capacity (ASK) was up by 11%

Norwegian chief executive Bjorn Kjos said: “We are very satisfied that an increasing number of business and leisure passengers are choosing Norwegian.

“On intercontinental routes in particular, we are experiencing increasingly strong demand as we continue to launch new routes and destinations, not least between London Gatwick and the US.”

The news comes as the airline announces long haul premium cabin fares as low as £399 for the forthcoming winter season.

The price is available for a one-way fare to Boston while New York is £419. Los Angeles, Oakland-San Francisco, Orlando and Fort Lauderdale all lead in at £499 during the same period.

Winter-only flights to Las Vegas and Puerto Rico both start at £499.

Prices increase to £579 for the four destinations come the summer with Boston at £449 while New York starts at £499.

Thomas Ramdahl, chief commercial officer at Norwegian, said: “Norwegian’s premium cabin gives passengers extra travel perks without a premium price tag.

“Not only do we offer high quality comfortable seating on the latest 787 Dreamliners but premium passengers also receive greater value with added extras including lounge access and fast track priority which is unmatched by any other airline.

“With our new affordable fares, we expect long-haul business and leisure passengers to fill the front of our aircraft, benefitting from a more enhanced travel experience with Norwegian.”