Norwegian has taken delivery of its first two Boeing 737 MAX 8s, becoming the second operator to receive the latest example of the 737. The two aircraft are EI-FYA (c/n 42826) and EI-FYB (c/n 42830). Bjørn Kjos, Norwegian’s Chief Executive Officer, commented: “We are the first European airline to operate this brand-new aircraft, and we’re also the first airline in the world to operate it to and from the United States. This aircraft allows us to open up new, unserved routes.”
After the aircraft are delivered from Seattle to Norwegian’s Oslo base, EI-FYA will receive a portrait decal on the tail depicting the lowcost long-haul pioneer Sir Freddie Laker. The aircraft will be used on routes to the east coast of the United States; appropriate given how Laker Airways pioneered lowcost transatlantic flights in the 1970s.
Norwegian started flying long haul with its Boeing 787s and is now significantly expanding its presence in these markets. The carrier began services from Edinburgh to Stewart International (New York), Providence (Boston) and Bradley International in June, and from early July started flights between Belfast, Cork, Shannon and Dublin to Stewart and Providence. Norwegian will place its 737 MAX 8s on some of these transatlantic services. The carrier has firm orders for 110 737 MAX 8s and purchase options on another 90.
