SAS Places Landmark Order for 18 Airbus A330neos
- Joe Breitfeller
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
Airbus has today announced that SAS has placed a firm order for 18 Airbus A330neos, marking the largest single investment in the airline’s history.
On Tuesday (June 30, 2026), Airbus announced that SAS has placed a firm order for 18 A330-900s as part of their ongoing fleet renewal strategy. The agreement was signed during a ceremony in Copenhagen by SAS’ CEO Anko van der Werff and Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Airbus’ EVP Sales - Commercial Aircraft. This order represents the largest single investment in SAS’ history, and the aircraft will support SAS’ ongoing international network expansion, allowing the airline to increase existing high-capacity routes globally, while introducing new routes.
In Tuesday’s announcement, SAS’ CEO, 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.”
In a separate press release from SAS, Mr. van der Werff said,
“For 80 years, SAS has connected Scandinavia with the world and the world with Scandinavia. Today, we are investing in the next chapter of our story. This is the largest investment in our company’s history and a clear signal of our confidence in the future. At the same time, the analysis we are presenting today demonstrates the broader value of international access. Strong global links create opportunities for businesses, support jobs, attract investment, and strengthen competitiveness across our region.”
Also commenting on SAS’ landmark A330neo order, Airbus’ EVP Sales - Commercial Aircraft, 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, SAS will benefit from unbeatable seat-mile economics and seamless operational synergies with its existing Airbus fleet.”
SAS’ total Airbus widebody investment includes up to 40 aircraft, combining new Airbus A330-900neo aircraft with additional Airbus A330-300 aircraft secured to support near-term growth ahead of the arrival of the new fleet. The Airbus order represents the highest-value aircraft order ever placed by SAS, with a total list price of over $10 billion.
SAS Celebrates Landmark Airbus A330neo Order on Tuesday, June 30, 2026 - Courtesy SAS
Today’s announcement follows a record 2025 order for 55 Embraer E195-E2 regional aircraft. Together with the ongoing renewal of the carrier’s Airbus A320neo fleet, these investments represent the most significant modernization of the SAS fleet in decades, delivering substantial improvements in fuel efficiency, noise performance, and guest experience.
Powered by the latest generation Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines, the A330neo is designed to fly up to 8,100 nautical miles (15,000 km) nonstop and reduces fuel burn, CO2 emissions and operating cost by 25 percent compared to previous generation competitor aircraft. The A330neo’s unique Airspace cabin offers passengers and crews the latest modern in-flight products for a comfortable flying experience. Like all Airbus aircraft, the A330 Family can currently operate on up to 50 percent SAF, with a target to reach 100 percent SAF capability by 2030. As of May 31, 2026, the A330 Family had won over 1,950 orders from 133 customers worldwide.
Source(s): Airbus, SAS
