Norwegian Air Shuttle has placed an order for six additional next-generation Boeing 737-800 aircraft.

The 737-800s for the carrier are configured to carry 186 people up to a distance 3,060nm at a speed of Mach 0.78.

The aircraft features blended winglets technology that reduces drag and decreases fuel consumption and carbon emissions by 3.5% to 4%.

Norwegian Air Shuttle CEO Bjorn Kjos said that as the airline expands its markets and provides more low-cost options for its rapidly growing customer base, it makes strategic sense that the 737-800 forms the bedrock of the airline’s fleet.

Boeing commercial airplanes sales for Europe and Russia vice-president Aldo Basile said that Norwegian’s repeat order is a strategic move that confirms the suitability of the 737-800 to the low-fare airline model, providing unmatched levels of efficiency and utilisation.

Norwegian Air is one of the first airlines in Europe that will incorporate the spacious new 737 Boeing sky interior starting at the end of 2010.