Norwegian Air

Budget airline Norwegian Air Shuttle has entered into an agreement to purchase two new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft.

The carrier continues to expand its international services by signing an agreement with New York-based MG Aviation to lease two new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners.

Both aircraft are scheduled to be delivered in the first quarter of 2016, and will enter operation immediately after delivery.

Boeing’s 787-9 is larger than the 787-8 that the airline currently operates on its long-distance flights.

Norwegian Air Shuttle CEO Bjørn Kjos said that in order to run a competitive long-haul operation, the company is dependent on brand new cost-effective aircraft.

"I´m very satisfied to have secured our first two 787-9 Dreamliners," Kjos said. "This is a fantastic airplane with high passenger comfort, long range and low fuel burn."

Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner has a capacity to accommodate up to 20% more passengers, and is 20ft longer than the 787-8 Dreamliner.

It provides 8% lower fuel consumption per seat, resulting in lower emissions, and can fly longer than the 787-8, depending on cabin configuration.

Norwegian Air Shuttle currently has three 787-8 Dreamliner jets in its long-haul fleet, with five additional aircraft on order.

The company plans to have ten long-haul jets in its fleet, where of four will be delivered in 2014, one in 2015 and two in 2016.


Image: Boeing’s 787-9 is larger than the 787-8 that the airline currently operates on its long-distance flights. Photo: courtesy of Norwegian Air Shuttle ASA.

Defence Technology