Norwegian Air Shuttle has stated intentions to enter the aircraft leasing market with plans to assemble a portfolio of up to150 aircraft.
The airline also stated the leasing company could be based in Ireland along with its long-haul subsidiary Norwegian Air International, and will concentrate on the B737 and A320 leasing markets as a reflection of current demand for the types within the EU.
Norwegian currently has orders placed with Airbus and Boeing for 100 B737 MAX-8s and 100 A320neo.
Norwegian CEO Bjorn Kjos said: "It's been a fantastic time for aircraft leasing companies and all indications are that airlines will want to continue leasing for the foreseeable future. In the long run, we may consider a separate listing on the stock exchange for our aircraft leasing company, but Norwegian will probably always retain control of it.”