Norwegian to take call on Max options in next six months

Norwegian will take a decision in the next six months on the 30 options it holds for Boeing 737 Max jets as it expects to take delivery of 11 to 13 aircraft this year. The low-cost carrier took the options as part of its order for 50 Max 8s placed in the summer of 2022. Speaking during a fourth quarter results briefing today, Norwegian CE Geir Karlsen said: “We do expect to take first delivery of our own aircraft order later this year. We will also take a decision during the next six months on the 30 options we have on top of the 50 aircraft. And the options have even more attractive pricing than the firm 50 aircraft.” Norwegian now expects to have a fleet of 88 Boeing narrowbodies this summer – it previously guided for around 90 – and Karlsen says the carrier will today take delivery of a third Max 8 so far this year. “That means we have already taken delivery of three out of the four aircraft we are planning ahead of the summer season,” he says. “So it is really good to see that the production rates at Boeing are increasing and that we can plan and be comfortable with the fleet we are planning to have during the peak season.” He adds: “We do anticipate to take delivery of 11 to 13 aircraft during 2025, which will take the fleet up to 94-96 aircraft by the end of this year.”<br/>