European low cost airline Norwegian has confirmed an order for 100 A320neo aircraft with Airbus, in a deal worth £6.5bn, following the signing of a commitment in January.
The current order, marking the airline as the first Scandinavian operator to place an order with Airbus, makes it one of the biggest A320neo customers.
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Airbus Customers chief operating officer John Leahy said: "Norwegian will become among the first airlines in Scandinavia to benefit from the A320neo’s increased capabilities, including a 15% reduction in fuel burn and emissions."
According to Airbus, the new A320neo aircraft features a single class cabin layout, has a seating capacity for some 180 passengers and supports the carrier’s growth and modernisation strategy.
Norwegian CEO Bjørn Kjos added that the order had given the company an opportunity to secure and invest in its future.
"Brand new, fuel-efficient aircraft are necessary for us to continue to grow," Kjos said.
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By GlobalDataExpected to begin operations from 2015, the A320 aircraft is a new engine option for the A320 line and comprises large Sharklet wing tip devices, which deliver 15% enhanced fuel savings.
Airbus said that the aircraft’s fuel burn reduction will save 3,600t of CO2 an aircraft each year and its NOx emissions are 50% below CAEP/6.
More than 95% of airframe commonality not only enables the aircraft to easily fit into current fleets, but also offers customers up to 500nm (950km) more range or 2t extra payload at a given range.
Norwegian operates its flights across Europe into North Africa and the Middle East, and is currently expanding its low-cost flights to meet increasing demand.
Airbus has received orders for more than 8,400 A320 aircraft line, of which 5,100 have been delivered to 350 customers globally.
Image: Norwegian becomes the first Scandinavian customer to place an order with Airbus. Photo: courtesy of Airbus.
