Norwegian Group Expands Fleet with Order for 30 Boeing 737-8 Aircraft
Boeing and the Norwegian Group announced today a significant fleet expansion agreement, with the airline group placing a fresh order for 30 Boeing 737-8 airplanes. This move marks a renewed commitment to the Boeing 737 MAX family as Norwegian looks to strengthen its operations and expand services across Europe.
The latest deal represents Norwegian’s first direct Boeing order since 2017, increasing the airline’s total 737 MAX order book to 80 aircraft. By securing this agreement, Norwegian aims to balance fleet growth with its long-term sustainability strategy, ensuring that it remains competitive in the dynamic European aviation market.
Strategic Growth and Sustainability Focus
Commenting on the announcement, Geir Karlsen, CEO of Norwegian, highlighted the dual significance of the deal in terms of both growth and environmental responsibility.
“This milestone aircraft order is on attractive terms and secures our fleet growth in a way that supports our planned expansion and sustainability targets,” Karlsen said. “By exercising the options and adjusting the delivery profile, we maintain flexibility while reinforcing our commitment to operating one of the most modern and fuel-efficient fleets in Europe. These aircraft will not only lower emissions but also provide our customers with an even better travel experience. We are pleased to extend our solid long-term partnership with Boeing through this order.”
Norwegian has a long-standing history of operating Boeing single-aisle aircraft. The airline first began its journey with Boeing’s Next-Generation 737-800 in 2007, laying the foundation for a modernized fleet. It also holds the distinction of being the first European carrier to take delivery of the Boeing 737 MAX in 2017. That same year, Norwegian became the first airline in the world to operate the 737-8 model on transatlantic routes connecting Europe and the United States, signaling its pioneering spirit and growth ambition.
Restructuring and Fleet Commitment
In 2022, Norwegian undertook a major restructuring of its order book. At the time, the company firmed up commitments for 50 737-8 airplanes, while also securing options for an additional 30 units. Today’s order effectively exercises those options, underscoring Norwegian’s confidence in the model and its suitability for the airline’s strategic plans.
Boeing executives praised Norwegian’s resilience and ambition in recent years. Brad McMullen, Boeing’s Senior Vice President of Commercial Sales and Marketing, said the airline’s latest decision reflects its strong position in the market.
“Norwegian’s impressive performance over the past few years has demonstrated the strength of their network, business model, and strategy,” McMullen noted. “Today’s agreement for an additional 30 737-8s will support their ambition to be the airline of choice in Scandinavia, while providing the flexibility to expand across Europe and beyond. Norwegian has been a great partner to the 737 program, having placed over 200 orders for the 737 NG and MAX since 2007. We are honored that Norwegian continues to place its trust in our 737 team to grow its business.”
Aircraft Features and Efficiency
The Boeing 737-8 model is designed for efficiency, flexibility, and customer comfort. Depending on the configuration, the aircraft can carry up to 200 passengers and offers a range of up to 3,500 nautical miles (6,480 kilometers). This makes it ideal for Norwegian’s mixed network of short- and medium-haul routes across Europe and select long-distance operations.
Equipped with advanced engines and winglets, the 737 MAX family delivers a 20% reduction in fuel consumption and carbon emissions compared to the airplanes it replaces. For airlines like Norwegian, these features translate into lower operating costs and a reduced environmental footprint—factors increasingly important for both passengers and regulators.
About Norwegian Group
The Norwegian Group is a leading aviation company in the Nordic region, headquartered at Fornebu outside Oslo, Norway. With more than 8,200 employees, the company operates two prominent airlines: Norwegian Air Shuttle and Widerøe’s Flyveselskap.
Norwegian Air Shuttle, the largest airline under the group, employs approximately 4,700 people and operates an extensive route network connecting Nordic countries with key destinations across Europe. In 2024, the airline carried more than 22.6 million passengers and maintained a fleet of 86 Boeing 737-800 and 737 MAX 8 aircraft.
The group’s portfolio expanded further in 2024 when it acquired Widerøe, Norway’s oldest airline, which specializes in regional flights across the country. The integration of Widerøe aims to create seamless connectivity across the two carriers’ networks, strengthening Norwegian’s position as a comprehensive air travel provider in the region.
About Boeing
Boeing is a leading global aerospace company engaged in the design, manufacture, and servicing of commercial airplanes, defense systems, and space technology. Serving customers in more than 150 countries, Boeing is also the largest U.S. exporter, contributing significantly to economic growth, sustainability, and community impact worldwide.
Through a global network of suppliers and a diverse workforce, Boeing continues to pioneer innovative technologies while upholding its core values of safety, quality, and integrity. With its latest agreement with Norwegian, Boeing further cements its role as a trusted partner in shaping the future of sustainable air travel.
