Chief financial officer Geir Karlsen will take over from Jacob Schram.

It comes after the airline’s board on Sunday (20 June) voted to end Schram’s term as chief executive.

Karlsen takes over with immediate effect, starting Monday (21 June).

"Karlsen has successfully led the financial reconstruction of Norwegian and has the competencies, focus, trust and dedication that makes him the best choice as chief executive of Norwegian," said Svein Harald Oygard, chair of Norwegian’s board of directors.

Oygard added Karlsen would be ideally placed to steer the carrier towards a return to "sustainable profitability".

Karlsen was appointed chief financial officer in April 2018, and served as acting chief executive from July 2019 to December 2019 following the departing of Bjorn Kjos – who was replaced by Schram.

"Our main priorities will be to increase the profitability of our low-cost operations and to attract new and existing customers in all key markets," said Karlsen.

"Norwegian is well positioned following the recent reconstruction of the company, with a strong brand, proven products and services, and not least a team of highly experienced colleagues."