SAS has taken delivery of its first Airbus A321LR aircraft from Air Lease Corporation (ALC).
Two further A321-200neo LR aircraft are also set to be delivered from ALC next year, adding to the two existing A320-200neos which SAS is also leasing from the group.
Last year SAS announced that it was planning to operate the A321LR on its Copenhagen-Boston route – it’s not clear if this is still case following changes to the carrier’s network following the onset of Covid-19, although Steven F Udvar-Hazy, executive chairman of Air Lease Corporation, said that the aircraft “will allow SAS to commence non-stop transatlantic flights from Copenhagen and other cities in Scandinavia to the US and Canada”.
SAS recently announced plans to postpone several aircraft deliveries, including pushing four A320 neo deliveries to 2024, as part of it recapitalisation plans.
The A321LR aircraft is configured for three classes, with 22 fully flat business class seats, 12 Plus (premium economy) seats, and 123 Go (economy) seats. It is also among the first to sport SAS’ new livery.
Commenting on the news Niklas Hardange, vice president fleet management of SAS, said:
“This is a new aircraft type for SAS and it is well-suited to the Scandinavian market travel patterns. SAS’ ongoing fleet renewal, including new long-haul aircraft such as the A321neo LR, is an investment towards more comfortable travel and sustainable aviation.
“Reducing the carbon footprint in the airline industry is crucial and SAS aims to lead the way. We have set a target of reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 25 per cent by 2025.”
