Scandinavian Airlines sign for up to 55 Embraer E2 EJets

Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) has been shopping… and has signed with Embraer to add up to 55 aircraft.

The agreement will cover SAS acquiring 45 Embraer E195-E2 aircraft, with purchase rights for an additional 10 aircraft. This is the largest SAS jet order direct from a manufacturer since 1996.

This purchase will help support SAS’s long-term fleet renewal strategy whilst helping the unlock future growth opportunities from its hub in Copenhagen as well as across its Scandinavian and international network. The E195-E2 size and range are suited to complement SAS’s existing fleet and route structure, allowing for more frequencies, better network flexibility, and most importantly, lower trip costs.

The first aircraft deliveries from Embraer are scheduled to begin in late 2027, with further deliveries extending over approximately four years. Like all Embraer E2 series aircraft, it will be powered by Pratt & Whitney’s GTF engines – in this case, the PW1900G GTF engines.

Excluding purchase rights, the value of the order is approximately US$4 billion.

The internal configuration has not been revealed, although it would be surprising if the aircraft were not delivered with the standard four across (2 by 2) seating layouts we’ve seen on Embraer aircraft before

Current single-aisle fleets

SAS currently contracts a lot of its regional fleet, with 12 Embraer E195s operated by SAS Link, 14 Bombardier CRJ-900 operated by CityJet and 14 ATR72-600 operated by Braathens Regional Airlines.

Otherwise, in its single-aisle portfolio, the airline operates the Airbus A319, Airbus A320, Airbus A320neo (both in mainline and by SAS Connect), as well as the Airbus A321LR.

In Quotes

Anko van der Werff, President & CEO, SAS, said:

“This is a defining moment for SAS,”

“The Embraer E195-E2 is a world-class aircraft, combining outstanding performance with excellent fuel efficiency and comfort. This aircraft is key to enabling future growth and improved connectivity across Scandinavia and beyond. We’ve taken the time to make the right decision — and this major investment reflects our confidence in the future and the strength of the agreement we have secured.”

He added:

“The E2 is central to our strategy to build a modern, efficient fleet with strong performance. It enables us to serve more routes with lower emissions, better economics, and a premium experience for our passengers,” 

“Together with Embraer, we are setting the course for the next chapter of SAS.”

Arjan Meijer, President and CEO of Embraer Commercial Aviation, added

“We are thrilled to deepen our partnership with SAS through this landmark deal. The E2 is the quietest single aisle jet available today – 29% more fuel efficient and with a 62% reduction in noise footprint over the previousgeneration jet, the E195-E2 is a game-changer in terms of efficiency, performance, and passenger comfort.

We are confident that these aircraft will play a crucial role in SAS’ fleet renewal andexpansion strategy, supporting their ambitious growth plans and enhancing their operational capabilities.”

An interesting addition

With 45 E195-E2s on the way, this should prove an interesting addition to the SAS fleet – certainly to replace the existing E195s operated by SAS Link, but also to augment operations by them, whilst adding capacity at the same time.

Even if they replace the aircraft that CityJet fly for SAS and the existing older Airbus single-aisle aircraft (taking to 37 aircraft), there’s plenty of room for growth, as well as finding new routes that the E195-E2 can operate efficiently on, given their range and the number of passengers they can carry.

It’ll be interesting to see where they’ll end up on the SAS network.