SAS Leaps Forward with a Fleet Overhaul: The Addition of 55 E195-E2 Jets
Scandinavian Airlines, or SAS as we lovingly call it, has been quite the buzzword lately. It’s no longer the old guard of the skies, clinging to the heritage of the Star Alliance. No, SAS has shed its cocoon and embraced the cool and trendier Sky Team. Add an investment sprinkle from Air France-KLM and a dash of Copenhagen hub focus, and voila! You’ve got an airline aiming for zeniths of global competitiveness.
So, what’s the cherry on the cake of SAS’s transformation? They have just rolled the dice on their biggest direct aircraft order in almost three decades! That’s right, 1996 was the last time they went this big. But don’t fret if you’re just catching up; let’s dive deeper.
SAS’s Bold Step into the Future: Embracing the Embraer E195-E2
Cast your mind forward a couple of years—2027, to be exact—and picture SAS taking delivery of the first of its 55 ordered Embraer E195-E2s. We’re talking 45 jets on firm order and an enticing option for 10 more. This is no small-scale kitchen table decision; it’s a $4 billion list price extravaganza.
This move aligns with SAS’s grand strategy—think environmental efficiency, more routes, and yes, a windfall of flights sprouting from Copenhagen like tulips in spring. The size and range of these Brazilian beauties mesh perfectly with SAS’s current line-up, promising not only more flight frequencies and network maneuverability but also cost efficiency.
The E195-E2s aren’t just about flexing muscle; they’re a joy for passengers too. Picture this: no middle seat horrors thanks to its 2-2 design. As we glide into the future, there’s chatter of SAS rekindling its intra-Europe business class with the classic blocked middle seat vibe. But with these new jets, blocking a seat isn’t in the game plan—at least not yet.
And what does SAS CEO Anko van der Werff think about this big leap? He was quoted saying this decision was monumental, marking a new era for SAS, blending top-notch performance, fuel efficiency, and passenger comfort. It’s about forging ahead with trust in the blueprint laid by their strategic move.
Strategic Fleet Positioning: The Bigger Picture
SAS currently boasts a main fleet of about 65 jets. The short-haul segment mainly showcases over 50 members of the Airbus A320 family, led by the A320neo. On the long-haul front, you’ve got four A350-900s, eight A330-300s, and a trio of A321LRs cruising the skies.
Now, SAS gets to show off their regional prowess too. Subsidiary SAS Link has a bevy of 13 Embraer E195s, while CityJet lends a hand with 21 Bombardier CRJ-900s. However, the E195-E2 influx means the regional jet scene is set for a facelift. By comparison, the existing 34 aircraft fleet will grow significantly with 45-55 jets in the cards, marrying a larger capacity (120+ seats) with innovation.
It’s a win for Embraer, especially as they dust off the setback from LOT Polish Airlines leaning towards Airbus A220s. Alas, the American skies remain uninterested, deterred by airline structures and pilot deals that make such aircraft akin to a square peg in a round hole.
The Bottom Line: An Exciting Future Ahead
To wrap it up, SAS is going all in with the Embraer E195-E2, setting the stage for jet deliveries starting late 2027. This marks a fresh fleet chapter, with regional routes soon dominated by the cockpit grins of A320neos and E195-E2s. Here’s to hoping more airlines join the Embraer party.
Oh, and for a cheeky detour from the skies, why not check out the Val Seny ski resort? Because after all, diverse travel destinations deserve a nod amidst aviation celebrations!
What’s your take on SAS’s Embraer E195-E2 decision?