Norwegian, Scandinavia’s largest low-cost carrier (LCC), has confirmed, this Monday, it has signed a letter of intent with Air Lease Corporation (ALC) for six Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft. The aircraft, according to a press release, «are to be delivered in short time to Norwegian, in good time ahead of the summer 2023 season»
A Norwegian spokesman, via email, confirmed to Aviacionline that the new aircraft were the six 737 MAX 8 that were formerly leased to Flyr, the Oslo-based LCC that went bust last week.
Geir Karlsen, CEO of Norwegian, stated in the press release that «the addition of these modern and fuel-efficient aircraft fits well with our fleet strategy. It will also help counteract delays from Boeing for other aircraft that were due to be delivered to Norwegian this spring».
Norwegian already had a contract for the leasing of three 737 MAX 8 from ALC, one of which has already been delivered, notes the airline’s report, adding that «the final agreement [with ALC] is subject to certain closing conditions».
Flyr’s former fleet of 737 MAX, now to be passed on to Norwegian, is currently parked in Oslo.
The spokesman also confirmed to Aviacionline that the six new-generation aircraft will serve as an addition to the airline’s current fleet, not necessarily a replacement to their older, less fuel-efficient 737NGs.
After the demise of Flyr, Norwegian stands as the sole LCC player in Scandinavia. The group intends to extend the cost gap by benefitting from the 737 MAX’s lower fuel consumption; also according to the press release, the MAX 8 «is approximately 14 percent more fuel-efficient compared to previous-generation aircraft».
