Norwegian Group Orders 30 More Boeing 737-8 Jets to Expand European Network

Norwegian Group has placed a new order for 30 Boeing 737-8 aircraft as it accelerates its growth plans across Europe. Announced on September 26, the agreement marks the airline group’s first direct Boeing order since 2017 and increases its total 737 Max order book to 80 airplanes.

“This milestone aircraft order is on attractive terms and secures our fleet growth in a way that supports our planned growth and sustainability targets. 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,” said Geir Karlsen, CEO of Norwegian. “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 predominantly operated Boeing single-aisle airplanes since placing its first order for the Next-Generation 737-800 in 2007. It was the first European airline to take delivery of the 737 Max in 2017 and pioneered the 737-8 on transatlantic routes between Europe and the U.S. In 2022, Norwegian restructured its order book, firming 50 737-8s with options for 30 more aircraft—options now exercised with this latest deal.

“Norwegian’s impressive performance over the past few years has demonstrated the strength of their network, business model, and strategy. Today’s agreement for an additional 30 737-8s will support their ambition to be the airline of choice in Scandinavia, providing flexibility to expand across Europe and beyond,” said Brad McMullen, Boeing senior vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing. “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.”

The 737-8 can seat up to 200 passengers depending on configuration and has a range of up to 3,500 nautical miles (6,480 km). As part of the 737 Max family, the model offers up to 20% lower fuel use and carbon emissions compared to the airplanes it replaces, making it well-suited for fleet modernization and sustainability goals.

Headquartered at Fornebu outside Oslo, Norwegian Group is a leading Nordic aviation company with over 8,200 employees. It owns two prominent airlines in the region: Norwegian Air Shuttle and Widerøe’s Flyveselskap, which it acquired in 2024 to create a seamless network across Scandinavia. Norwegian Air Shuttle, the largest Norwegian airline with about 4,700 employees, operates an extensive route network connecting Nordic countries to major European destinations. In 2024, Norwegian carried 22.6 million passengers and maintained a fleet of 86 Boeing 737-800 and 737-8 aircraft.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, boeing.com