Scandinavian airline SAS has strengthened its long-haul growth plans with a firm order for 18 Airbus A330-900 aircraft, marking a significant step in the carrier’s ongoing fleet renewal programme.
The agreement was signed during a ceremony in Copenhagen by SAS President and CEO Anko van der Werff and Airbus Executive Vice President of Commercial Aircraft Sales Benoît de Saint-Exupéry.
The new widebody aircraft will enable SAS to expand its international network, increasing capacity on existing long-haul services while also creating opportunities to launch new routes in the years ahead.
The Airbus A330-900 is the latest member of the A330neo family and is designed to deliver lower operating costs and improved environmental performance compared with previous-generation aircraft. Powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines, the aircraft can fly up to 8,100 nautical miles (15,000 kilometres) non-stop while reducing fuel burn, carbon emissions and operating costs by around 25 per cent compared with earlier competing aircraft.
Announcing the order, Anko van der Werff said: “On behalf of SAS, I am delighted to announce this order for the Airbus A330-900. Combining outstanding economics with improved environmental performance, the aircraft will play a key role in our long-term fleet strategy.
“It will allow us to deliver an exceptional customer experience, expand our network, and offer greater flexibility and convenience for our passengers. We look forward to continuing our strong partnership with Airbus well into the future.”
Airbus welcomed the renewed commitment from one of its long-standing airline customers.
Benoît de Saint-Exupéry said: “We are immensely proud to see SAS reaffirm its trust in Airbus to drive its fleet modernisation. The A330-900 is the undisputed benchmark for efficiency and versatility in its category.
“By integrating these 18 A330neo aircraft, SAS will benefit from unbeatable seat-mile economics and seamless operational synergies with its existing Airbus fleet.”
Beyond improved efficiency, the A330neo features Airbus’ Airspace cabin, offering larger overhead storage, enhanced lighting and a quieter cabin environment designed to improve comfort for passengers on long-haul flights.
The aircraft also forms part of Airbus’ wider sustainability ambitions. Like all current Airbus aircraft, the A330neo is already certified to operate using up to 50 per cent Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), with the manufacturer aiming for all of its aircraft to be capable of flying on 100 per cent SAF by the end of the decade.
The latest order reinforces Airbus’ strong position in the widebody market. By the end of May 2026, the A330 Family had accumulated more than 1,950 orders from 133 customers worldwide, underlining continued demand for the aircraft as airlines modernise their long-haul fleets.
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