Commercial Aviation
SAS Negotiates Widebody Aircraft Order with Boeing and Airbus
SAS is in talks with Boeing and Airbus for a large widebody order to support long-haul growth and fleet renewal in late 2020s and early 2030s.
This article summarizes reporting by Reuters and Bloomberg News. The original Bloomberg report is paywalled; this article summarizes publicly available elements and public remarks.
Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) has officially entered negotiations with aerospace giants Boeing and Airbus for a significant order of widebody Commercial-Aircraft, marking a decisive pivot from its recent restructuring efforts toward aggressive long-haul expansion. According to reporting by Bloomberg News and Reuters, SAS CEO Anko van der Werff confirmed on February 4, 2026, that the Airlines is evaluating proposals from both Manufacturers to renew and expand its intercontinental fleet.
The potential Orders, described by leadership as “large,” aims to secure delivery slots for the late 2020s and early 2030s. This move comes as SAS exits Chapter 11 bankruptcy and integrates deeper into the SkyTeam alliance, signaling a renewed focus on establishing Copenhagen as a primary global hub.
While SAS currently operates an all-Airbus widebody fleet, the airline is reportedly considering a mix of established and next-generation airframes from both sides of the Atlantic. According to the research data available, the specific models under consideration include:
A decision to purchase Boeing aircraft would represent a significant strategic shift for SAS, which retired its last Boeing 737s between late 2023 and 2024. However, engaging both manufacturers is a standard industry practice to leverage competitive pricing and delivery guarantees.
The timing of this negotiation is critical. Having emerged from bankruptcy protection in 2024, SAS is now in what analysts describe as a “growth phase.” The airline recently joined the SkyTeam alliance in September 2024, aligning its network with partners such as Delta Air Lines and Air France-KLM.
According to company announcements, SAS is already expanding its long-haul footprint, with a new daily route to Dubai scheduled to launch in October 2026 and increased frequencies to key U.S. and Asian cities. A modernized widebody fleet is essential to sustain this capacity growth.
The fleet negotiations are unfolding against a backdrop of significant corporate and geopolitical changes. Air France-KLM is currently in the process of increasing its stake in SAS to 60.5%, a majority acquisition expected to close in the second half of 2026.
While Air France-KLM is a major operator of Airbus A350 aircraft, having ordered more than 50 of the type in late 2023, SAS leadership maintains that it operates independently regarding fleet decisions. However, industry observers note that fleet harmonization with a parent company often yields maintenance and operational synergies. Recent diplomatic friction between the United States and Denmark regarding Greenland has led to speculation that political factors could influence the order. However, SAS leadership has publicly dismissed these concerns.
“Political tensions would not dictate commercial fleet decisions.”
, Paraphrased from CEO Anko van der Werff via Bloomberg News
The CEO emphasized that the choice will be driven by commercial metrics rather than diplomatic pressure, despite the complex political environment.
The Leverage Play: Publicly announcing talks with both Boeing and Airbus is a classic negotiation tactic. Even if SAS intends to maintain an all-Airbus widebody fleet for crew and maintenance commonality, feigning serious interest in the Boeing 787 or 777X forces Airbus to compete more aggressively on price and delivery slots.
The Mixed Fleet Risk: For a carrier of SAS’s size, reintroducing a mixed fleet (operating both Airbus and Boeing widebodies) carries substantial risk. It duplicates training requirements, spare parts inventories, and maintenance protocols. Unless the order is massive enough to justify these added costs, the operational logic heavily favors continuing with the A350 and A330neo platforms, especially given the impending majority ownership by Air France-KLM, a staunch Airbus customer.
Deliveries are targeted for the late 2020s to early 2030s, aligning with industry production backlogs and SAS’s long-term growth strategy.
No. SAS retired its last Boeing 737 aircraft in 2024 and currently operates an all-Airbus fleet for both short-haul and long-haul operations.
Air France-KLM is set to acquire a majority 60.5% stake in SAS by the second half of 2026. While SAS operates independently, the parent group’s strong relationship with Airbus could influence the final decision toward fleet commonality.
SAS Initiates Talks with Boeing and Airbus for Major Widebody Order
The Contenders: Boeing vs. Airbus
Strategic Context and Timing
External Pressures: Ownership and Geopolitics
Addressing Geopolitical Tensions
AirPro News Analysis
FAQ: SAS Fleet Renewal
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