Scandinavian budget carrier Norwegian has placed an order for 42 new Boeing 737-800 aircraft under an extensive fleet-renewal programme.

They will supplement the 11 737-800s which were the subject of an order by the carrier earlier this year. The new order also includes purchase rights for a further 42 of the type.

Deliveries of the jets to the Oslo-based carrier will take place from 2009 and continue to 2014, with the aircraft arriving at a rate of around ten per year.

Chief executive Bjorn Kjos says that the aircraft will “strengthen Norwegian’s competitive position” in its mainland European and Scandinavian markets.

 Norwegian 737
 © AirTeamImages.com

“These purchases will open up new opportunities, enabling us to fly longer distances and consider new, interesting routes,” he adds.

 Norwegian route map

Norwegian, which currently operates Boeing 737-300s, says that the jets will be fitted with blended winglets. The list price for the aircraft totals around $3.1 billion.


FACTS

Norwegian Air Shuttle is one of Europe’s leading low fare airline and started its operations 1st September 2002 with four domestic routes and six aircraft – Boeing 737-300.

Norwegian was listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange December 2003.

FLEET:

24 Boeing 737-300,

8 MD80 (FlyNordic)

11 new Boeing 737-800 from 2008 to 2010.

The aircraft is mainly leased except for two Boeing 737-300 which are owned by Norwegian.

ROUTES:

11 domestic routes

95 international routes from different cities in Norway

Sweden – (operated by Norwegian’s subsidiary – FlyNordic):
5 domestic routes
9 international routes

Poland:
16 international routes


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Source: FlightGlobal.com