#Norway #Fornebu #Boeing 737-800 #Norwegian Air #Vortex Control

Vortex Control Technologies Partners with Norwegian Air

In a significant move towards sustainability, Vortex Control Technologies (VCT) has entered into an agreement with Norwegian Air Shuttle to retrofit their entire fleet of Boeing 737-800 aircraft with VCT’s innovative fuel-saving Finlets. This partnership underscores Norwegian’s commitment to operational efficiency and environmental responsibility in aviation.

What are VCT Finlets?

VCT Finlets are a patented array of small aerodynamic fins strategically placed on the rear fuselage of aircraft. These fins play a crucial role in optimizing airflow, reducing drag, and enhancing the overall aerodynamic performance of the aircraft. The implementation of Finlets is expected to yield a host of benefits, including improved fuel efficiency, increased range, and a significant reduction in CO2 emissions—all with minimal installation costs and downtime.

Finlets have been successfully validated by Aviation Partners Boeing and have shown promising results in other airlines such as Avelo Airlines, SunExpress, and even the U.S. Air Force, demonstrating consistent measurable improvements in fuel consumption with savings of up to 1.2% under normal operating conditions.

Norwegian’s Sustainable Commitment

Norwegian Air Shuttle is renowned for its focus on sustainability and efficiency in the airline industry. Mark Reichin, the Chief Commercial Officer at VCT, stated, “Norwegian has long been recognized for its commitment to efficiency and sustainability. By equipping their entire 737-800 fleet with Finlet technology, they once again demonstrate their leadership in mitigating environmental impact while smartly designing flight operations for the future of aviation.”

Stig Patey, a B737 Captain and Manager of Flight Efficiency at Norwegian, emphasized the importance of intelligent flying as a cornerstone of Norwegian’s sustainability strategy. He expressed excitement about introducing the Finlet modification as a substantial step towards a more fuel-efficient fleet that maintains reliable, high-performance operations.

Timeline for Installation

The retrofit of Norwegian’s 737-800 fleet with Finlets is set to begin in December 2025. This timing aligns with planned maintenance schedules to minimize operational downtime, illustrating both efficiency and strategic planning in the rollout of this innovative technology.

About Vortex Control Technologies

Vortex Control Technologies specializes in developing sustainable performance-enhancing modifications for commercial and military aircraft. Their advanced aerodynamic solutions, such as Finlets, help operators reduce fuel consumption and emissions. VCT's technologies have collectively saved over 4.4 million gallons of fuel and have avoided more than 95 million pounds of CO2 emissions, clearly demonstrating a positive impact on the environment.

For more information, visit vcteco.com.

About Norwegian Air Shuttle

Norwegian Air Shuttle is a leading Nordic airline based in Fornebu, near Oslo, Norway. It employs over 4,700 staff and operates an extensive network connecting Scandinavian countries with key European destinations. In 2024, Norwegian transported 22.6 million passengers and maintained a fleet of 86 aircraft, including the Boeing 737-800 and 737 MAX 8. The company prioritizes sustainability and is dedicated to substantially reducing its business-related CO2 emissions. An important aspect of this commitment is investing in the production and use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). Norwegian aims to be the sustainable choice for its passengers and actively contribute to transforming the aviation industry.