Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) is on the verge of finalizing a strategic agreement with European airframer Airbus for the acquisition of a new widebody fleet, Bloomberg reported. The move is aimed at securing early delivery slots and driving the expansion of the Scandinavian carrier’s long-haul network.
A Mixed Order to Transform the Fleet
According to sources close to the discussions, the airline is evaluating a combination of two of the European manufacturer’s most efficient models:
- Airbus A330neo: The modernized, re-engined variant of the proven A330 family.
- Airbus A350: The airframer’s most advanced and efficient widebody platform.
The total scope of the negotiations involves between 15 and 20 aircraft. A source, who requested anonymity as the talks are private, indicated that the contract is expected to be formalized in the coming weeks. The current timeline projects that the carrier will receive its first units by the turn of the decade.
→ SAS Celebrates 80 Years of History with a Special Livery
Strategy Behind the Decision: Fleet Commonality and Cost Reduction
Securing this contract represents a major competitive victory for the European airframer. SAS had been engaged in parallel talks with Boeing to evaluate a large-scale order for its widebody jets.
However, the Scandinavian carrier ultimately ruled out the American manufacturer’s offering, basing its decision on two fundamental economic and operational pillars:
- Fleet Commonality: Maintaining a homogenous fleet simplifies crew type-rating and training, as well as engineering and maintenance processes.
- Cost Reduction: Consolidating logistics and maintenance providers significantly mitigates long-term operating costs.
With negotiations now in their final stages, the airline’s primary focus is securing production slots in a global market currently facing intense competition for delivery availability.
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