SAS to acquire additional A330 to replace A340

Scandinavian carrier SAS is to acquire another Airbus A330-300E for its long-haul fleet.

SAS is intending to take delivery of the twinjet – powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 700 engines – in the second quarter of next year.

The carrier has eight A330-300s and eight A340-300s.

SAS says it will use the additional aircraft, acquired through a sale-and-leaseback transaction, to replace one of its A340s.

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It says it has been using one of its A340s primarily as a "reserve" aircraft, and adds that the introduction of the A330 will cut fuel consumption and ensure its long-haul fleet has a consistent cabin interior.

Airbus has confirmed the agreement for the twinjet, which comes just a few days after SAS's decision to order 50 A320neos for short-haul fleet modernisation.

SAS is planning to replenish its long-haul fleet with the A350-900, of which it has ordered eight.