8:43 (Dow Jones) Airbus grabs a slice of another Boeing (BA)loyalist as Norwegian Air Shuttle (NAS.OS) splits an order for as many as 222 planes between the two, though its deal with the European manufacturer remains preliminary. The 737 Max order was widely expected, while the arrival of Airbus was not. It noses under the tent as it did with American Airlines last year, and before that with EasyJet. Norwegian's bargaining also throws the ball into the court of Ryanair (RYA.DB)--another all-Boeing operator--with the region's discount king having frozen fleet growth after hitting a brick wall in talks with both aircraft manufacturers. Delivery slots for new-generation planes are filling up fast. (doug.cameron@dowjones.com) Call us at (212) 416-2354 or email kevin.kingsbury@dowjones.com
