OSLO (AFP) – Low-cost carrier Norwegian Air Shuttle said yesterday it would buy 50 Boeing 737 MAX 8 planes, in another boost for the crisis-hit United States (US) aircraft after two deadly crashes.
The 50 new aircraft will be delivered between 2025 and 2028, or around the same time that Norwegian’s aircraft leasing deals come to an end, and the contract includes an option for 30 more, the company said in a statement.
The order is welcome news for the US manufacturer’s flagship Boeing 737 MAX 8, which was grounded for 20 months following two fatal accidents and has been gradually returning to service.
Norwegian and Boeing have meanwhile been locked in a legal battle for several years, with the Norwegian carrier launching legal proceedings against the US giant for compensation following setbacks related to its 737 MAX and 787 Dreamliner long-range jets.
The low-cost airline did not say yesterday whether the order was part of any dispute resolution.
