Norwegian Air has faced problem after problem with its new Boeing 787 Dreamliners: software and spoiler issues, brake and battery failure, and leaking fuel tanks in the planes’ wings causing delays and rescheduling headaches. While the planes may have functional problems, at least they look good, taking out one of Norway’s most prestigious design awards on Wednesday night.
The company’s four Dreamliners won the Norsk Designråd “Award for Good Design” in the interactive design category for their state-of-the-art inflight entertainment system, developed by Isobar Norway.
Newspaper Aftenposten reported Norwegian is the first airline to offer destination-based 3D maps, allowing passengers to zoom right down to street level to plan sightseeing trips. Passengers can also use the system to order and pay for snacks and drinks which are delivered to their seat.
Norwegian Air Shuttle’s international Marketing Director Stine Steffensen Børke said the prize was a boost after all the troubles the Dreamliners have caused. “We didn’t have the start we wanted,” she said. “The focus has been on the irregularities, and not experience it is to fly with this plane. It’s clear that this is an upturn. It is a fantastic aircraft in many ways, and we are very happy to receive the Award for Design for inflight solutions.”
Norwegian Air has a further 14 Dreamliners on order.
newsinenglish.no staff
