Norwegian is to expand its long-haul fleet after acquiring two new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners.

The low-cost carrier, which flies long-haul from Gatwick to several US cities, wants to continue expansion which will see its fleet increase from the current eight Dreamliners to 19 by 2018.

The two new leased 787-9s announced by Norwegian today are due to enter service in summer 2017. The airline is to add four new 787-9 Dreamliners in 2016, five in 2017 and two in 2018.

The airline’s 787-9s will have 344 seats including 35 in premium economy and 309 in economy.

Norwegian CEO Bjorn Kjos said: “In order to make our long-haul operation even more competitive, we are dependent on more brand new cost-efficient aircraft.

“Our long-haul routes have been very popular and I´m very satisfied to have secured more Dreamliners. This will enable us to launch even more routes to exiting destinations all over the world.”

Norwegian last month announced that it was planning to set up a UK subsidiary as it seeks to expand its low-cost long-haul model.

Source: BuyingBusinessTravel