Norwegian Air Shuttle orders 42 Next-Generation Boeing 737s

Low-cost airline, Norwegian Air Shuttle ASA has confirmed an order for 42 Boeing Next-Generation 737-800s. The order is valued at US$3.1 billion at list prices. The airline has also secured purchase rights for an additional 42 737-800s.

The order is the largest ever from any Scandinavian carrier and is the largest European order this year for the 737. This direct purchase comes on top of Norwegian's recent decision to add 11 Boeing 737-800s to its fleet through lease agreements. All of the 737-800s, including those on lease, will be fitted with advanced-technology Blended Winglets, which reduce aerodynamic drag and therefore reduce fuel consumption and related carbon emissions by 3 to 5%.

With headquarters in Oslo, Norwegian selected the Next-Generation 737 to form the foundation of its fleet as it expands its route network throughout Europe. With its recent acquisition of Stockholm-based FlyNordic, Norwegian now ranks as Europe's fourth largest low-cost carrier as measured by 2006 passenger traffic. The carrier said the new 737s will help establish it as a preferred low-cost option far beyond its home base of Scandinavia.

"The new airplanes will strengthen Norwegian's competitive position in the Norwegian, Nordic and European aviation markets," said Bjørn Kjos, CEO of Norwegian Air Shuttle ASA. "Also, the airplanes are significantly more environmentally friendly than the ones we use today. These airplanes will reduce Norwegian's CO2 emissions and bring down fuel costs, while noise levels are considerably lower than for other airplanes."

On a typical Norwegian Air Shuttle 820 nautical-mile mission, the 737-800 with Blended Winglets burns 22% less fuel and produces 22% less CO2 per passenger than the Classic 737-300 currently operated by Norwegian.

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