Low-cost carrier Norwegian has placed an order for 30 A321LRs with Airbus, a move that follows the signing of a  commitment in June 2012 for 100 A320neo aircraft.

Norwegian noted that this shift from 30 A320neo aircraft to 30 A321LRs will support its growth and modernisation strategy.

The carrier, which holds the brand name of Norwegian Air Shuttle AS, operates a network across Europe, North America and Asi.

Featuring a single class cabin layout, the new aircraft will seat approximately 220 passengers.

Norwegian Air Shuttle CEO Bjorn Kjos said: “The new ‘short long-haul’ aircraft available from 2019 fits really well with our global expansion plans and future long-haul network, both in terms of size, range and fuel efficiency.

“The Airbus A321LR is the newest narrow body long-haul aircraft on the market and with this order we will have a significant cost advantage and increased competitiveness, which means that we can offer our customers low prices on board brand new aircraft to a wide range of new destinations."

"The Airbus A321LR is the newest narrow body long-haul aircraft on the market and with this order we will have a significant cost advantage and increased competitiveness."

Once delivered, the airline will deploy the new A321LRs on its long haul, transatlantic routes.

A321LR will be able to fly longer routes of up to 4,000nm.

First deliveries of A321LR will begin in 2019.

So far, Airbus has received 12,600 orders for the A320 family aircraft and has delivered more than 7,100 aircraft to over 320 operators across the globe.

Image: An Airbus A321LR jet. Photo: courtesy of Airbus S.A.S.