Boeing Delays Norwegian's 737 MAX Delivery
Earlier this year, Norwegian Air announced that it was set to begin transatlantic flights from three new US cities (Newburgh [SWF], Providence [PVD] and Hatford [BDL]) to various destinations in Europe on its new Boeing 737 MAX aircraft. While the inaugural flight on the 737 MAX was scheduled for June 15 to depart from SWF to Edinburgh (EDI), that has since been postponed due to Boeing delaying the delivery of its third MAX aircraft, which was set to occur next week to Norwegian.
The delay in delivering the Boeing 737 MAX to Norwegian is the result of a technical issue. This announcement comes just a few weeks after we learned that Boeing halted 737 MAX flights in order to inspect engine cracks, but flights have since resumed. However, there's no indication that the engine cracks have anything to do with the delayed delivery of Norwegian's first 737 MAX.
"We fully expect to deliver later this month and look forward to the MAX entering revenue service with Norwegian," Boeing said in a statement. Despite the delay, Norwegian said that there won't be an impact to passenger flights. So, while the first flight between SWF and EDI was originally scheduled to be operated by the 737 MAX, it will now be operated by another (TBD) aircraft type.
As a result of the delay in delivery, Norwegian is extending its auction to bid on a seat for the delivery flight. The new end date for the auction is June 12, and although the exact delivery date hasn't yet been confirmed, it will be at some point at the end of the month.
Surely, this is disappointing news for Norwegian, which was expecting to operate its new transatlantic routes from PVD, SWF and BDL with the 737 MAX. While it's saying those flights won't be affected by the delay, it's not yet clear which aircraft the airline plans to use on those routes while it waits for the delivery of its first MAX.
H/T: Reuters
TPG featured card
at Bilt's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 1X | Choose to earn up to 1X points on rent and mortgage payments with no transaction fee |
| 2X | Earn 2X points + the option to earn 4% back in Bilt Cash on everyday purchases |
Pros
- Choice to earn up to 1 Bilt Point per dollar spent on rent and mortgage payments
- Elevated everyday earnings with both Bilt Points and the option to earn Bilt Cash
- $400 Bilt Travel Portal hotel credit per year (up to $200 biannually)
- $200 Bilt Cash annually
- Priority Pass membership
- No foreign transaction fees
Cons
- Moderate annual fee
- Designed primarily for members seeking a premium, all-in-one card
- Earn points on housing with no transaction fee
- Choose to earn 4% back in Bilt Cash on everyday spend. Use Bilt Cash to unlock point earnings on rent and mortgage payments with no transaction fee, up to 1X.
- 2X points on everyday spend
- $400 Bilt Travel Hotel credit. Applied twice a year, as $200 statement credits, for qualifying Bilt Travel Portal hotel bookings.
- $200 Bilt Cash (awarded annually). At the end of each calendar year, any Bilt Cash balance over $100 will expire.
- Welcome bonus (subject to approval): 50,000 Bilt Points + Gold Status after spending $4,000 on everyday purchases in the first 90 days + $300 of Bilt Cash.
- Priority Pass ($469/year value). See Guide to Benefits.
- Bilt Point redemptions include airlines, hotels, future rent and mortgage payments, Lyft rides, statement credits, student loan balances, a down payment on a home, and more.