Scandinavian budget carrier Norwegian, which today ordered 15 additional Boeing 737-800s, will make a fleet decision for its planned long-haul operation in the autumn and appears to be leaning towards the Boeing 787.
Norwegian chief executive Bjorn Kjos says the carrier will make a decision between the 787 and the Airbus A350 XWB "in early autumn".
But Kjos describes the 787 as the "best tool" for long-haul operations, adding that he is "queuing up" for the aircraft.
Norwegian envisions acquiring up to 15 widebodies for the long-haul operation it plans to launch in 2011. The carrier has listed New York and Bangkok as being the most likely initial destinations when its long-haul unit launches.
The 15 737-800s ordered during the Farnborough Air Show will be phased in from 2014 to replace Norwegian's Boeing 737-300s.
Source: Air Transport Intelligence news
