SAS places record $10 billion order for up to 40 Airbus A330 jets

Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) has announced a landmark deal to acquire up to 40 new Airbus A330 wide-body aircraft, marking the largest aircraft order in the company's history. The total value of this significant investment exceeds $10 billion.

The order comprises a mix of new Airbus A330-900neo aircraft and existing A330-300 models, intended to bolster SAS's capacity for short-term growth while awaiting the delivery of the newer A330neos. Anko van der Werff, CEO of SAS, described the acquisition as "the most important investment in our company's history and a clear sign of our confidence in the future."

This strategic move comes as SAS undergoes a significant restructuring following years of financial challenges, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The airline has also seen a major shift in its ownership structure, with the Swedish state exiting its capital stake. Air France-KLM is set to become the principal shareholder, acquiring a 19.9% stake initially, with plans to increase its holding to 60.5% by the end of the year.

SAS projects that achieving its growth objectives through this fleet expansion will create approximately 25,000 additional jobs in Denmark by 2030, along with around 4,000 jobs in southern Sweden. The A330 models ordered can accommodate between 250 and 300 passengers and offer a range of up to 13,600 kilometers for the A330neo variant.