SAS has announced the largest investment in its history: an order for up to 40 wide-body Airbus aircraft aimed at strengthening Scandinavia’s international connectivity. According to Anko van der Werff, President and CEO of SAS, this program – valued at over $10 billion – marks a new phase of development for the airline, which has connected the region to global markets for 80 years. The deal includes the delivery of new Airbus A330-900neo aircraft as well as additional A330-300s, which will boost capacity ahead of the arrival of the next generation of aircraft.
The expansion of SAS’s operations will have a significant impact on the region’s economy. A study projecting the potential effects of air traffic growth via Copenhagen Airport by 2030 indicates that the airline’s expanded presence could create up to 25,000 new jobs and contribute approximately €3.25 billion to Denmark’s GDP. Consequently, the total number of jobs supported by SAS operations could reach 64,000, with the aggregate economic contribution rising to €8.58 billion. Additionally, around 4,000 new jobs are expected to be created in southern Sweden.
The investment will also enhance the capabilities of the SAS Cargo division. The new wide-body aircraft will feature a lower-deck cargo capacity exceeding 40 tonnes, enabling increased freight volumes between Scandinavia and international markets. SAS anticipates that this additional capacity will strengthen the cargo division’s market position, boost competitiveness, and drive the development of the region’s logistics infrastructure.