Norwegian (Oslo Gardermoen) will be the B737 MAX 8's launch operator when it takes delivery of its maiden aircraft of the type in May an airline spokesman has told CNN.

"Norwegian will now be the first airline to take delivery of the Boeing 737 MAX and we will be the first airline in the world to operate this brand-new aircraft type," he said.

The LCC has 100 of the type on order from Boeing (BOE, Washington National) with the first deliveries to be deployed onto thin transatlantic flights between the US East Coast and Europe. The aircraft will likely be registered and operated by Norwegian Air International (Dublin International).

For its part, Southwest Airlines (WN, Dallas Love Field), the type's launch customer, is scheduled to take delivery of its first B737 MAX 8 in July with commercial service only expected in October.