Norwegian Air Shuttle Orders 15 Boeing 737-800s

Norwegian Air Shuttle, has ordered 15 Next-Generation Boeing 737-800s.

The order, valued at $1.2 billion at list prices, brings the total number of 737-800s Norwegian has ordered direct from Boeing to 78.

The airline also has finalized its contract to purchase three Boeing 787 Dreamliners, an agreement the Oslo based operator announced in May, which brings the total number of Boeing 787s it will operate to five including two to be leased from ILFC.

"Norwegian continues to be a leader in the industry by providing its passengers with both the new Boeing Sky Interior and Wi-Fi on its new Boeing 737-800's – this is a terrific combination for passengers on the most fuel efficient single-aisle airline operating in today's market," said Boeing Commercial Airplanes Vice President of Sales & Marketing, Marlin Dailey.

The digitally designed 737-800 can seat up to 189 passengers.

Today's operators fly 737s that are 5% more fuel efficient than the first Next-Generation 737s and additional improvements are on the way. Boeing's performance improvement package will boost fuel efficiency by approximately 2% through aerodynamic and engine changes. The improvements to the airframe and engine are expected to be in service between mid-2011 and early 2012 and will be incorporated into the 15 aircraft ordered by Norwegian.

"At Norwegian, we are committed to being progressive and thinking long term. This order gives us an opportunity to secure and invest in the company's future. These new Boeing 737-800s aircraft will give us a tremendous competitive advantage, enabling us to reduce our overall costs even more," said Norwegian's CEO, Bjorn Kjos. "Brand new, fuel-efficient aircraft are necessary for us to continue to grow. In the long run, owning is more advantageous than leasing and as we begin to phase out our older aircraft, it is crucial we are able to purchase new airplanes. From an environmental perspective, we know that Boeing is continuously working on measures to reduce emissions, making new aircraft a win-win for both the environment, our passengers and for us as a company."

Norwegian is the third largest low-cost airline in Europe. It operates 238 routes to 97 destinations across Europe into North Africa and the Middle East. More than 13 million passengers flew with the airline in 2010.

The Paris Air Show is being held this week at Le Bourget near the French capital, Paris.

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