KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 25 (Bernama) -- Boeing and Norwegian Air Shuttle management and airline staff celebrated last Friday as the low-cost airline completed its first direct purchase and delivery of a new 737-800 at Boeing Field in Seattle, Washington, USA.

Norwegian Air Shuttle CEO Bjorn Kjos said the delivery of the 737-800 marks an important milestone in the Oslo, Norway-based airline's history.

"Having already leased 13 Boeing 737-800s, we know there are good reasons why the Next-Generation 737 is the best-selling airplane in the world," said Kjos. "It's because Boeing is constantly improving the 737 family of airplanes. It's the right answer for a point-to-point airline like Norwegian Air Shuttle."

Kjos said Norwegian Air Shuttle's 737-800 features new more comfortable seats and increased legroom for passenger comfort.

Major improvements to the Next-Generation 737 include the creation of the new Boeing Sky Interior, modeled after the 787 Dreamliner's cabin architecture, and the addition of Blended Winglets, which enhance the airplane's environmental performance. All Norwegian Air Shuttle 737s feature Blended Winglets. All Norwegian Air Shuttle 737 orders will include the Boeing Sky Interior upon its introduction in 2010.

-- BERNAMA