Boeing 737 MAX in Norwegian’s livery. Courtesy of Boeing

Oslo, Norway - January 25, 2012

Norwegian (NAS) has today signed an agreement with both Airbus and Boeing for delivery of a total of 222 new aircraft.

The order includes 122 aircraft from Boeing: 100 of the new Boeing 737 MAX8 and 22 Next-Generation 737-800.

Boeing 737 MAX in Norwegian’s livery. Courtesy of Boeing

Norwegian will be the European launch customer for Boeing’s new aircraft.

The Airbus order includes 100 Airbus A320neo.

Boeing 737 MAX in Norwegian’s livery. Courtesy of Boeing

The total agreement is the largest ever in European aviation history and has a contract value at list prices of NOK 127 billion.

The order includes additional purchase right of 150 aircraft from both manufacturers.

Courtesy of Norwegian

The agreement with Boeing includes firm orders for a total of 122 aircraft: 100 Boeing 737 MAX8 and 22 Boeing Next-Generation 737-800, in addition to purchase rights for an additional 100 737 MAX8.

Boeing 737 MAX in Norwegian’s livery. Courtesy of Boeing

Norwegian has also signed an agreement with Airbus which includes firm orders of a total of 100 Airbus A320neo as well as purchase rights for an additional 50.

This marks Norwegian’s first aircraft purchase from Airbus.

Boeing 737 MAX in Norwegian’s livery. Courtesy of Boeing

The total agreement is the largest ever in European aviation history and is the largest single investment in Norway, even on level with the largest investments in the Norwegian offshore industry.

Boeing 737 MAX in Norwegian’s livery. Courtesy of Boeing

The firm order has a contract value at list prices of approximately NOK 127 billion.

The deliveries of the new aircraft types start in 2016.


Future Aircraft Deliveries Secured

"Today is a historic day for Norwegian. The order is the largest ever in European aviation history and marks a major milestone in the company’s 10 year history. We have secured our fleet renewal for years to come and are very pleased with the agreements with both Airbus and Boeing,” said CEO Bjørn Kjos at Norwegian.

Norwegian's CEO Bjørn Kjos. Courtesy of Norwegian

“Norwegian has now reached a size where we will benefit from having two suppliers, both in terms of ensuring adequate flight capacity, flexibility and competition between two manufacturers,” said Kjos.

Boeing 737 MAX in Norwegian’s livery. Courtesy of Boeing

"International air traffic will keep on growing in the years ahead and Norwegian is determined to be a strong, stable and attractive player in the airline industry. We will continue to provide our customers with quality at a low fare and live up to our vision that everyone should afford to fly. The new aircraft are win-win for our passengers, the environment and the company's costs. As we intend to replace every aircraft after seven years of operation, it is mandatory that we plan at least 10 to 20 years ahead. We will sell or rent out our older aircraft in order to keep a young fleet”.

Boeing 737 MAX in Norwegian’s livery. Courtesy of Boeing

“Norwegian’s order of 42 new Boeing 737-800 aircraft in 2007 was by many viewed as a bold investment. History has, however, shown that it was a necessary move to ensure our competitiveness and reduce costs. This order has been extended several times since 2007, proving that our need for aircraft has been far greater than we anticipated five years ago,” said Kjos.


European Aircraft Introduced to Norwegian’s Fleet

“We are very pleased to welcome Norwegian as an all-new Airbus customer. Their A320neo commitment is a further demonstration of the undisputable success of the A320neo’s record-setting credentials. The A320neo sets new industry standards for eco-efficiency and passenger appeal,” said John Leahy, Chief Operating Officer, Customers.

John Leahy, Chief Operating Officer, Customers at Airbus. Courtesy of Airbus

The Airbus A320neo will be an entirely new aircraft type for Norwegian.

“Neo” is short for «New Engine Option» and as with the MAX8, it features an enhancement of an already existing aircraft type, primarily by adding more efficient engines.

The NEO will have 15 % lower fuel burn than the present A320.


“Norwegian is a Valued Boeing Partner”

“Norwegian has become one of the largest 737 operators in Europe and has been a valued Boeing partner since the airline was established”, said Boeing Commercial Airplanes Vice President Sales, Europe, Aldo Basile.

Aldo Basile, Boeing Commercial Airplanes vice president Sales, Europe. Courtesy of Boeing

“Since it began operating in 2002, Norwegian has achieved tremendous success with its low cost model, providing significant value to both its passengers and shareholders. Improved financial performance and improved environmental performance go hand in hand as fuel burn is lowered. We're really pleased to provide this great performance to Norwegian."


European Launch Customer

Norwegian Air Shuttle ASA will be the European launch customer for the new Boeing 737 MAX8.

The aircraft is the successor of the 737-800 and will give a 10-12% reduction in fuel burn over its predecessor.

Boeing 737 MAX in Norwegian’s livery. Courtesy of Boeing

Compared to a 737-800 built in 2001, the fuel reduction is 15 to 20 percent, a huge advantage to the environment and the company’s costs.

Following this transaction Norwegian has a total of 150 purchase rights and 277 aircraft for future delivery, including 55 previously ordered Boeing 737-800.

In addition Norwegian has a firm order of 6 787-8 Dreamliners.


Contacts:

Norwegian:

SVP, Corporate Communications,
Anne-Sissel Skånvik,
phone +47 97 55 43 44

Communications Manager
Lasse Sandaker-Nielsen
phone +47 45 45 60 12

Investor Relations/Analyst
Karl Peter Gombrii
phone +47 92 82 29 69

Boeing:

Communication Director Europe
Fiona O’Farrell
mobile + 44 75 57 16 06 45

Airbus:

Media Relations Manager
Joanna Senelar
mobile +33 63 37 84 255


Source: Norwegian

http://media.norwegian.com/  



ASTROMAN Magazine – 2011.11.13

Boeing, Emirates Announce Historic Order for 50 777-300ERs with a value of $18 billion

http://www.astroman.com.pl/index.php?mod=magazine&a=read&id=1101  


ASTROMAN Magazine – 2011.08.16

CIT Aerospace signs firm order for 50 Airbus A320neo aircraft

http://www.astroman.com.pl/index.php?mod=magazine&a=read&id=1038  


ASTROMAN Magazine – 2011.08.15

Airbus A380 goes transpacific with Korean Air from Seoul to New York

http://www.astroman.com.pl/index.php?mod=magazine&a=read&id=1037  


ASTROMAN Magazine – 2011.08.14

Cathay Pacific Announce Order for 12 Boeing 777 airplanes at $3.3 billion

http://www.astroman.com.pl/index.php?mod=magazine&a=read&id=1036  


ASTROMAN Magazine – 2011.06.05

Airbus delivers 50th aircraft to China & 100th aircraft to British Airways & 200th aircraft to easyJet

http://www.astroman.com.pl/index.php?mod=magazine&a=read&id=987  


ASTROMAN Magazine – 2011.02.19

Skymark Airlines of Japan confirms order for four A380s with Airbus

http://www.astroman.com.pl/index.php?mod=magazine&a=read&id=896  


ASTROMAN Magazine – 2010.09.06

Boeing Projects $700 Billion Commercial Airplanes Market in North America

http://www.astroman.com.pl/index.php?mod=magazine&a=read&id=801