The first SAS aircraft with the new long haul cabin took off yesterday. Flight SK909 from Copenhagen bound for Newark featured the new design, new seats, new infotainment system and onboard WiFi.
The SAS Airbus A330 with the new cabin heralds the launch of SAS’s investment in its long haul fleet in which seven existing aircraft are being updated and new aircraft will enter service from fall 2015. SAS Airbus A330 Erik Viking will mainly fly between Copenhagen and USA. The next updated aircraft is set to enter service in late March and will mainly fly between Stockholm/Oslo and USA.
Rickard Gustafson, President and CEO of SAS, said “We are delighted to now be able to present our ultramodern cabin. It is a huge boost for SAS and will give our customers a totally new in flight experience. The new interior is designed to meet the needs of our frequent flyers and substantially strengthens our customer offer.”
The materials and color scheme in the new cabins have been chosen to create a welcoming and relaxing atmosphere. The seating in SAS Go and SAS Plus is designed with good storage to create extra space. All seats in SAS Business have direct access to aisles and fold flat as sleeper seats. The bedding comes from Hästens, the oldest bed manufacturer in Sweden, to ensure passengers enjoy a high class sleeping experience. The aircraft has a new on-demand entertainment system with HD screens and WiFi in all classes. Images of the new cabin are now available to download.
SAS long haul fleet investment
In June 2013, SAS announced that its entire long haul fleet would be renewed in the next few years. Certain aircraft in the current fleet would be upgraded and joined by new aircraft that would come into service from fall 2015. The changes are as follows:
- Cabin upgrade on seven Airbus A330/A340s
- Four new Airbus A330-300s to be delivered in 2015 and 2016
- Eight Airbus A350-900s to be delivered from 2018 onwards with an option on an additional six
About the new cabin
WiFi access available in all classes
SAS Go
Seat configuration: 2-4-2
Pitch: 31”/32”
On-demand entertainment system with 9” HD screens
One power outlet per pair of seats plus individual USB port
SAS Plus
Seat configuration: 2-3-2
Pitch: 38”
On-demand entertainment system with 12” HD screens
Individual power outlet and USB port
SAS Business
Seat configuration: 1-2-1
Direct access to aisle from all seats
Fully flat seats minimum 196 cm length
Massage seats
On-demand entertainment system with 15” HD screens
Individual power outlet and USB port
SAS is Scandinavia’s largest airline group. Scandinavian Airlines flies to more than 100 destinations within Scandinavia, Europe, North America and Asia. Scandinavian Airlines is a member and one of the founders of the world’s largest global airline alliance – Star Alliance. Together with the 27 members of Star Alliance, SAS flies to more than 1300 destinations in 192 countries worldwide.
N.B. Image credit: flysas
