Europe’s third-largest low-cost airline, Norwegian has taken delivery of the first or more than 100 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft it has on order from the American manufacturer.
The new arrival for the highly regarded airline features an upgraded cabin that features new slimline seats that have been designed for more comfort on longer routes and will give taller, thin passengers more personal space.
The European carrier is due to receive 12 of the Boeing's this year and each will be fitted with the new slimline seats which will be used on transatlantic routes to New York and Providence near Boston, from the UK and Ireland. The airline plans to replace its older 737-800's with the new 737 MAX aircraft as part of its fleet modernisation plans.
The new RECARO 3710C seats are leather, with a 30” seat pitch and measures just 16.8” wide and are designed to add space at knee-level giving customers additional comfort on the 737 MAX, which will have 189 of them. However, many leading travel industry and passenger groups have critisised the move, fearing that Norwegian's lead in passenger popularity in the low-cost long-haul flights will be harmed by the narrow seat, especially at a time when passengers are getting bigger.
The airline claims that each seat weighs around 10kg - 1kg less than the older model, which reduces the weight of the aircraft by more than 200kg overall. The lower aircraft weight reduces fuel burn and Norwegian’s operating costs which allows the carrier to continue delivering affordable fares and an environmentally friendly service.
Thomas Ramdahl, Chief Commercial Officer at Norwegian said: “More than 370,000 customers have flown Norwegian between the UK & Ireland and the US East Coast and now thousands more passengers can fly in slimmer seats that provide more space for the longer flights.
“The Boeing 737 MAX’s versatility can provide passengers with lower fares on direct transatlantic routes and shorter flights as we plan to replace older aircraft as we maintain a young, modern and fuel-efficient fleet.”
Dr. Mark Hiller, CEO and Shareholder of RECARO Aircraft Seating said: “We are delighted and proud, that Norwegian is the first customer for our new BL3710 seat. The seat embodies RECARO’s high-quality standards and design principles while setting all new standards in economy class. With an ideal balance between lightweight design and comfort, RECARO supports the airline to offer their passengers enhanced living space and outstanding comfort.”
Norwegian was the European launch customer for the Boeing 737 MAX in 2017 and has commenced operating its newest Boeing 737 MAX (reg. EI-FYG) featuring the new RECARO seat from May 2018. The airline will retrofit the existing fleet of six Boeing 737 MAX aircraft delivered last year.
The 737 MAX currently services New York Stewart International and Providence airports on the US East Coast which provides good access to the metropolitan centres of New York City and Boston in addition to tourist attractions in New York State and New England.
Have you flown on an aircraft fitted with these new RECARO 3710C seats? What do you think of them? Do they feel as uncomfortable as they look for a 6+ hour flight?
Pilot opportunities to fly the Boeing 737 MAX are currently available at www.careers.norwegian.com
