The airline Norwegian has received the first of 50 Next-Generation 737s. The aircraft landed in Oslo 26 January after nine hours and six minutes direct from Seattle to Oslo. The 737-800 with Blended Winglets, on lease from Babcock & Brown, is the first Next-Generation 737 to enter the airline’s fleet.

“Taking delivery of this airplane is an important milestone in Norwegian’s young history. We are strengthening our position on the Nordic and European market with the most cost-efficient airplane available,” said Bjorn Kjos, CEO of Norwegian Air Shuttle ASA. “With this new airplane, we will emit 22 percent less CO2 compared to the current airplanes in our fleet. This is a substantial benefit to the environment.”

Norwegian will be taking delivery of a total of 50 new Next-Generation 737-800s. In August 2007 Norwegian announced a purchase agreement with Boeing for 42 Next-Generation 737s. This is the largest order placed by any Scandinavian airline.

8 leased Boeing 737-800 to be delivered 2008-2010
42 purchased Boeing 737-800 to be delivered 2009-2014.

This mix of lease/purchase will give Norwegian a flexibility and positive advantages to meet the market developments. “These aircraft will increase our possibility to fly to destinations in the Middle East, northern Africa and the Canary Islands”, says Kjos.