There was a time, when Aeromexico took the delivery of EI-GZD - a B737Max aircraft , after Norwegian Air failed to take it in Oct 2021 owing to the financial mess it was in due to multiple factors, owing mainly to Pandemic.
In June -202, Norwegian Air Shuttle had cancelled its outstanding orders for 92 Boeing 737 MAX and five 787 Dreamliner aircraft , as the low-cost carrier grounded almost its entire fleet during the struggle to keep afloat.
Things are changing fast now , amid eased travel norms , Norwegian Air wants to re-inforce it's fleet . AerCap Holdings today announced that it has signed agreements with Norwegian Air Shuttle ASA for the lease of ten new Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft and eight Boeing 737-800 NG aircraft. The aircraft are scheduled to deliver in 2022 and 2023.
“We are delighted to support Norwegian’s narrowbody fleet renewal program,” said Peter Anderson, Chief Commercial Officer of AerCap. “The addition of these aircraft will help Norwegian grow their operations whilst maintaining its commitment to operate a highly competitive, fuel-efficient fleet of aircraft. We wish Geir Karlsen and all the team every success and we look forward to working with them as these aircraft deliver.”
It seems , Norwegian , after raising necessary funds and evolving out of the verge of the Bankruptcy , is trying to gain control of the market , when competitors like Norse Atlantic Aiways is on the door with it's long-haul low-cost airline model.
“The addition of these aircraft will help us achieving our target of building a larger, modern and more fuel-efficient fleet. This will in turn enable us to deliver our products and services in a wide network of routes in the Nordics and to European destinations,” said Geir Karlsen, CEO of Norwegian.
Looking back , on 26th may 21 , Norwegian officially ended its bankruptcy protection status, having rid itself of most of its debt after raising NOK 6 billion ($721 million) in fresh capital, while Irish and Norwegian courts had set the bar at NOK 4.5 billion ($536 million) to approve the airline’s exit from bankruptcy protection.
Efforts are not new , In December 21, Norwegian had entered into agreement to lease two Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft for nine years with the Power by Hour arrangement , to make the most of the upcoming travel demand !
