Norwegian Air Shuttle is expanding its fleet by leasing 10 Boeing 737 MAX 8 planes from AerCap, an Irish lessor. During the first part of 2023, the MAXs are expected to be delivered.
Norwegian will also acquire eight Boeing 737-800 NG aircraft as part of the same lease deal by summer 2022. By summer 2020, the airline expects to have a total of 70 aircraft, allowing it to continue to expand capacity and satisfy forecast travel demand.
“The addition of these aircraft will help us achieve our target of building a larger, modern, and more fuel-efficient fleet. This will, in turn, enable us to deliver our products and services in a wide network of routes in the Nordics and to European destinations,” said Geir Karlsen, CEO of Norwegian.
When compared to prior generation jets, the Boeing 737 MAX 8 is 14 percent more fuel-efficient. According to the announcement, the latest addition to Norwegian’s fleet would assist the company to fulfill its goal of reducing carbon emissions by 45 percent by 2030 compared to 2010.
#AerCap is delighted to support @Fly_Norwegian narrowbody fleet renewal program with the lease of 10 new Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft and 8 Boeing 737-800 NG aircraft.
Click here for the full story https://t.co/1EYkICzmcW#AvGeek #WeAreAerCap #aviationfinance #aircraftleasing pic.twitter.com/4g25KZ82KL
— AerCap (@AerCapNV) February 28, 2022
“The addition of these aircraft will help Norwegian grow their operations whilst maintaining its commitment to operate a highly competitive, fuel-efficient fleet of aircraft,” said Peter Anderson, the chief commercial officer of AerCap.
Norwegian’s operating results improved significantly during the fiscal year 2021. The airline, which emerged from bankruptcy protection in May 2021 after completing its restructuring procedure, had a pre-tax profit of NOK117 million ($13 million) in Q4 2021.
