Norwegian Air Orders 19 Boeing 787s

Norwegian Air has ordered 19 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, costing more than USD$5 billion at list prices, for delivery between 2017 and 2020.

Norwegian will have an option to order an extra 10, as it expands into long-haul services.

Norwegian Air has grown rapidly and is trying to take market share from traditional flag carriers. In April last year it suspended talks on buying 20 787s because of a delay in receiving US backing for its long-haul plans.

The company flies on a license issued by the EU outsider Norway, but has asked the US Department of Transportation for permission to fly to the United States on an Irish license, which it believes will give greater flexibility in managing routes.

Demand for the company's intercontinental flights has risen strongly, resulting in the new aircraft order. Norwegian said its latest order took its total of unfilled orders from Boeing to more than 150, including 100 737 MAXs. It also has on order 100 Airbus A320neos.