Aircraft Orders & Deliveries
Airbus Nears Widebody Order With Scandinavian Airlines SAS
Airbus is finalizing a deal to supply SAS with 15-20 A330neo and A350 jets for delivery in the early 2030s.
This article summarizes reporting by Reuters citing Bloomberg News.
Airbus SE is finalizing an agreement to supply Scandinavian Airlines (SAS AB) with 15 to 20 widebody aircraft, securing critical delivery slots for the carrier in the early 2030s.
According to reporting by Bloomberg News, summarized by Reuters on June 6, 2026, the prospective order includes a mix of Airbus A330neo and Airbus A350 jets. The decision to select the European manufacturer over Boeing Co. aligns with the airline’s strategy to maintain fleet commonality and control operational costs across its long-haul network.
Strategic Fleet Commonality
SAS currently operates an all-Airbus widebody fleet featuring newer A350s and older A330 aircraft. In February 2026, SAS Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Anko van der Werff confirmed the airline was evaluating proposals from both Airbus and Boeing for a large widebody acquisition.
The carrier intends to finalize the agreement in the coming weeks. This fleet renewal supports the airline’s planned growth at its primary Copenhagen Kastrup Airport (CPH) hub. The expansion follows a recent equity investment from Air France-KLM and the Scandinavian carrier’s transition to the SkyTeam alliance.
Navigating Geopolitical and Fuel Pressures
The fleet investment comes as SAS navigates severe operational headwinds. The ongoing Iran war and the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz have driven jet fuel prices to record highs.
Reuters reported that these fuel cost spikes recently forced the airline to reduce its flight schedule. Securing next-generation, fuel-efficient aircraft like the A330neo and A350 is a critical component of mitigating long-term exposure to volatile energy markets.
AirPro News analysis
We view the SAS decision to stick with Airbus as a pragmatic move to avoid the transition costs associated with introducing a new aircraft type into the fleet. Pilot training, maintenance tooling, and spare parts inventory for a mixed Boeing and Airbus widebody operation would likely erode the economic benefits of a split order. Securing delivery slots for the early 2030s now protects the airline against ongoing supply chain constraints that continue to limit widebody availability across the industry.
Sources: Reuters
Photo Credit: Airbus