Carrier to use 787-9 to expand network across North America, South America, Southeast Asia and beyond
EVERETT, Wash., Feb. 24, 2016 /PRNewswire/ — Boeing [NYSE: BA], MG Aviation Ltd and Norwegian today celebrated the delivery of the Scandinavian low-cost carrier’s first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner.
Norwegian leased the airplane through an agreement with MG Aviation. The delivery is also the first Dreamliner to MG Aviation, the aviation leasing arm of Jordache Enterprises which has three additional 787s on order.
“The 787-9 Dreamliner will provide Norwegian with unrivalled operational advantages, large improvements in fuel efficiency and much lower costs,” said Norwegian’s CEO Bjørn Kjos. “In addition, it is an airplane that offers an exceptional in-flight experience.”
Norwegian already operates eight 787-8s and will use its 787-9s to open up new routes across North America, South America and Southeast Asia with its increased range and capacity.
“The Dreamliner is an excellent addition to our leasing portfolio that sets customers like Norwegian apart from the competition,” said Nir Dagan, speaking for MG Aviation. “We are proud to place our 787-9s with Norwegian. We believe this airplane is a perfect fit and will deliver the airline with significant operational benefits and customer value.”
The 787-9 complements and extends the super-efficient 787 family. With the fuselage stretched by 20 feet (6 meters) over the 787-8, the 787-9 will fly more passengers and more cargo farther with the same exceptional environmental performance — 20 percent less fuel use and 20 percent fewer emissions than similarly sized airplanes.
“We are honored to deliver the first 787-9 to our partners at Norwegian and MG Aviation – two companies that clearly understand the value proposition of the 787,” said Monty Oliver, vice president, European Sales, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “This airplane is a great addition to any carrier’s fleet, offering superior passenger comfort, increased cargo capacity and lower operating costs.”
Norwegian serves more than 130 destinations across Europe, North Africa, the Middle East, the USA and Southeast Asia, with a fleet that includes 90 Next-Generation 737-800s and eight 787-8s. In October 2015 the airline placed the largest single order for 787-9s from a European carrier, ordering 19 airplanes valued at more than $5 billion at list prices.
MG Aviation is part of Jordache Enterprises, the Nakash family’s global conglomerate that also operates Arkia Israeli Airlines.