SAS RECEIVES FIRST AIRBUS A340-300

Scandinavian Airlines Systems (SAS) today received its first Airbus A340-300, becoming a new operator of the type. It will initially use the A340 to fly between Copenhagen and Delhi.

SAS has a further six A340s on order and will use them to introduce a new economy-extra class, offering passengers more space and more comfort in economy class, while also offering the preferred cabin for business travelers without a middle seat. Indeed, for passengers, the A330/A340 Family is the most popular in its class, according to recent independent surveys. SAS’ A340-300s will seat 261 passengers and are powered by the environmental friendly CFM56-5C4-engines.

In addition to its seven A340-300s, SAS has ordered four twin-engine A330-300s, which offer the lowest operating costs of any aircraft in their class. Airbus’ A330/A340 Family has established market leadership in the widebody segment by winning consistently more than 50 per cent of the orders worldwide from nearly twice as many customers as the competition.

With the introduction of the market leading A330/A340 Family, SAS will increase the number of seats available on medium and long haul flights by 50 per cent, and cargo capacity by 40 per cent. The voluminous underfloor cargo holds of A330/A340 Family can accommodate industry-wide standard containers for easy worldwide interlining, while the automatic container system will enable SAS to reduce the turn-around time for its cargo operations considerably.

“With the new Airbus fleet we will offer our passengers the best comfort on long haul routes and the quietest cabin in the sky,” says Jørgen Lindegaard, SAS’s Chief Executive Officer. “With the A330/A340 Family we will also increase our cargo capacity significantly, becoming more efficient through the extensive commonality within the Airbus family, and offer a more environmentally friendly service.”

“We are delighted that SAS has chosen our A330/A340 Family and that it becomes the first A340 operator in Northern Europe. We are delighted that SAS is set to reap the benefits of Airbus commonality, both within the A330/A340 Family and with its A321s,” says Airbus Chief Operating Officer Gustav Humbert.

The Scandinavian carrier, which jointly serves the markets of Denmark, Norway and Sweden, will also take delivery 12 Airbus A321 single-aisle aircraft for routes within Scandinavia and to major European capitals. SAS will benefit extensively from the unique cockpit commonality among all Airbus’ fly-by-wire aircraft, which saves money in training and flight-crew flexibility.

Offering the most modern and comprehensive airliner family in the world, Airbus is the joint number one manufacturer in the market for large commercial aircraft. To date, the Airbus family of aircraft has won some 4,400 orders from more than 180 customers. Headquartered in Toulouse, France, Airbus is an EADS joint Company with BAE SYSTEMS.