Low cost carrier Norwegian has unveiled plans to purchase 222 new aircraft: it has placed a firm order for 100 Boeing 737 Max and 22 737-800s and signed an MoU with Airbus for 100 A320neos.
The deal is worth Norwegian kroner 127 billion ($22 billion), the carrier said in a statement. The deal includes purchase rights for an additional 100 737 Max and 50 A320neos.
Separately, Boeing issued a statement saying that Norwegian is the first European carrier to finalise a deal for a member of the 737 Max family. Norwegian's order is for the 737-8 variant.
Deliveries of the new types will start in 2016.
"Today is a historic day for Norwegian," said Norwegian CEO Bjørn Kjos. "The order is the largest ever in European aviation history and marks a major milestone in the company's 10-year history."
The deal marks Norwegian's first order from Airbus. Kjos said the carrier has reached a size where it can benefit from having two suppliers. No engine selection has been made for the A320neos.
Boeing said the 737 Max now has over 1,000 orders and commitments from 15 customers.
Source: Air Transport Intelligence news
