Norwegian Air CEO says summer bookings strong, well covered with pilots

By Ole Petter Skonnord

OSLO, May 24 (Reuters) - Budget carrier Norwegian Air , under pressure to staff its fleet as it ramps up its transatlantic business, said summer bookings were good and that it had "more than enough" pilots to cover the season, its CEO told Reuters.

The company, which has been courted by British Airways owner IAG, had difficulties last summer with having enough pilots and had to lease extra planes and staff that weighed on its bottom line.

Ryanair last year approached Norwegian with a proposal to take a stake of around 20 percent in the Oslo-listed carrier, a source with close knowledge of the discussion separately told Reuters.

"I can confirm that Ryanair has shown interest in Norwegian Air, and that I brought it up with the board," said Norwegian Air's Chief Executive Bjoern Kjos. A spokesman for Ryanair said the airline does not comment on rumour or speculation. (Additional reporting by Padraic Halpin in Dublin, writing by Terje Solsvik, editing by Gwladys Fouche)