The new aircraft will initially fly selected short haul routes in Europe, predominantly to Nordic destinations.

Besides environmental benefits, the aircraft feature all new cabins with slimmer seats offering greater pitch.

Norwegian will take delivery of 12 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft this year, with eight already in operation on transatlantic routes to New York-Stewart and Boston-Providence.

“The addition of the Boeing 737 MAX at Gatwick complement our existing young, modern and environmentally friendly fleet,” said Thomas Ramdahl, Norwegian’s chief commercial officer.

The low cost carrier’s Helsinki, Oslo and Bergen routes will be the first to be operated by the new aircraft.

However, Norwegian has said its 737 MAX will take on further European routes as they are delivered.

The aircraft are configured with 189 seats, each 1kg lighter than the previous generation, offering 30-inch pitch.

They are fitted with CFM International LEAP-1B engines, 40% quieter than the engines on its existing Boeing 737-800 aircraft and 20% more fuel efficient.

Andy Sinclair, Gatwick’s head of airspace, added the airport was committed to reducing aircraft noise and welcomed the arrival of Norwegian’s new quieter stock.

“The launch of this new Norwegian aircraft is another positive step for those affected by noise around the airport,” he said.

Norwegian has more than 100 737 MAX on order, which will replace its 737-800 fleet.

They also feature a new entertainment system with inflight Wi-Fi coming later this year.