Airbus A33neo aircraft, a twin-engine widebody selected by SAS in its recent fleet order.
(Provided by Airbus)
Airbus has secured an order for 18 A330-900 (A33neo) aircraft from Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) as part of the airline’s fleet modernization program.
Announced June 30, the agreement was signed in Copenhagen, Denmark by SAS CEO Anko van der Werff and Benoît Saint-Exupéry, executive vice president of sales for Airbus Commercial Aircraft. According to American Machinist, the order includes options for up to 22 additional A33neo aircraft and initiates a parallel order with Rolls-Royce for 40 Trent 7000 high-bypass turbofan engines, the exclusive powerplant for the aircraft.
SAS said the A330-900s will support its international network expansion by increasing capacity on existing high-demand routes and enabling the introduction of new routes.
“Combining outstanding economics with improved environmental performance, the aircraft will play a key role in our long-term fleet strategy,” Van der Werff was quoted in a statement. “It will allow us to deliver an exceptional customer experience, expand our network, and offer greater flexibility and convenience for our passengers.”
Powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines, the A330neo reduces fuel burn, carbon dioxide emissions and operating costs by 25% compared with previous-generation competitor aircraft, according to Airbus. The aircraft is also capable of operating with up to 50% sustainable aviation fuel, with Airbus targeting 100% SAF capability by 2030.
The A33neo entered service in 2018 as an updated version of the A330, incorporating the Trent 7000 engines, aerodynamic improvements and additional passenger amenities for long-haul service.
According to a statement from Saint-Exupéry, “We are immensely proud to see SAS reaffirm its trust in Airbus to drive its fleet modernization. The A330-900 is the undisputed benchmark for efficiency and versatility in its category.”
As of the end of May, the A330 family had accumulated more than 1,950 orders from 133 customers worldwide, Airbus said.
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