Norwegian Government Sells Final 6.26% Stake in Norwegian Air for 892 Million Crowns

Norway's government has completed the sale of its remaining 6.26% stake in Norwegian Air, totaling approximately 892 million crowns ($87.8 million), marking the end of its pandemic-era investment in the airline. The shares, amounting to 65.58 million, were sold at 13.60 crowns each, representing a 3.3% discount on the Oslo Bourse closing price. Trade and Industry Minister Cecilie Myrseth reiterated the government's position of not being a long-term player in Norwegian Air, having initially supported the airline with a 1.21 billion crown convertible loan during its 2021 restructuring. Despite divesting equity, Norway still holds bonds in the airline due for repayment later this year and in 2026. The government's exit has yielded a profit exceeding 500 million crowns, demonstrating a strategic and profitable state intervention in the aviation sector during the pandemic recovery. This move may serve as a model for how governments can balance risk and support in critical industries while planning timely withdrawals as markets stabilize.