"This is the largest investment in our company's history and a clear signal of our confidence in the future," said Anko van der Werff, President & CEO of SAS.

Photo: Per Markussen

SAS makes major intercontinental push - biggest investment ever

SAS is taking the next step in its long-term growth strategy and is presenting the largest investment in the company’s 80-year history. The order includes up to 40 Airbus aircraft for long-haul operations - a combination of new A330-900neo and additional A330-300 to secure capacity before the new aircraft are delivered. The order’s list price amounts to more than 10 billion dollars.

Camilla Jonsson Camilla Jonsson

Per Markussen Per Markussen

Published 30 June 2026 - 11:14 Modified 30 June 2026 - 12:00

According to SAS, the investment will give the company the opportunity to expand its intercontinental route network and strengthen connections between Scandinavia and important markets around the world.

- For 80 years, SAS has connected Scandinavia with the world. Now we are investing in the next chapter of our history. This is the largest investment in the company’s history and a clear sign of our confidence in the future, said CEO Anko van der Werff at Tuesday’s press conference.

The initiative comes a year after SAS’s record order for Embraer E195-E2 aircraft and, together with the ongoing renewal of the Airbus A320neo fleet, represents the largest modernisation of the company’s aircraft fleet in several decades. The new aircraft are expected to contribute to lower fuel consumption, reduced noise and an improved travel experience.

In connection with the announcement, SAS also presented an analysis of the socioeconomic effects of expanded operations at Copenhagen Airport. If the company’s growth plans are implemented, they are expected to create a further 25,000 jobs and contribute DKK 25 billion to GDP by 2030. The analysis also points to around 4,000 new jobs in southern Sweden, underlining Copenhagen’s role as a hub for the entire Öresund region.

At the same time, SAS emphasises that the expansion should take place with sustainability in focus. The company has therefore signed a letter of intent with SkyKraft to explore the possibilities of developing e-SAF, electrofuel for aviation, as part of the transition to more sustainable air travel.

The announcement comes as SAS celebrates its 80th anniversary. Since its launch in 1946, the company has played a central role in connecting Scandinavia with the wider world, and according to SAS, Copenhagen Airport remains the hub of that strategy. By strengthening the hub, the company wants to improve access to international markets, stimulate trade and tourism, and attract investment to the entire Öresund region and Scandinavia.

The new Airbus A330-900neo aircraft will form the backbone of SAS’s future long-haul initiative. According to Airbus specifications, the aircraft type consumes around 25 per cent less fuel per seat than the previous generation, while also offering longer range and lower noise levels.