SAS Plans Major Widebody Jet Order by Late 2026: Airbus A350 and Boeing 787 in Focus

SAS Weighs Major Widebody Order in 2026: Airbus A350 and Boeing 787 Among Contenders

Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) is preparing for a significant widebody aircraft order in the latter half of 2026. This decision will shape the airline’s long-haul capacity, cabin products, and award availability for years to come. Travelers who fly SAS across the Atlantic or connect through its hubs could see changes in seat comfort, premium cabin options, and overall travel experience. The airline is currently evaluating jets from both Airbus and Boeing, with key aircraft under consideration including the Airbus A350 and the Boeing 787 Dreamliner.

SAS aims to finalize this large order by the second half of 2026. This move is critical as the airline seeks to modernize its long-haul fleet and compete effectively on routes to North America and beyond. The choice of aircraft will influence not only operational costs and range but also the passenger experience, particularly in business and first-class cabins. A substantial order typically leads to increased flight frequencies, more premium seats, and greater opportunities for loyalty program members to redeem points.

Evaluating the Options: Airbus vs. Boeing Widebodies

SAS is considering a range of aircraft to meet its future needs. The potential candidates include the Airbus A330neo, Airbus A350, Boeing 787 Dreamliner, and Boeing 777X. This selection offers SAS a balance between lower trip costs, extended range capabilities, and the familiarity of its current Airbus fleet versus the potential benefits of introducing Boeing widebodies. The airline’s current long-haul fleet consists entirely of Airbus aircraft, primarily the A330-300 and A350-900.

The decision is not just about acquiring new planes; it’s about strategic growth. SAS needs aircraft that can support its expansion plans, especially as demand for long-haul travel, particularly on North Atlantic routes, continues to recover. The size of the potential order suggests a significant fleet transformation, which will inevitably impact SAS’s route network, service offerings, and the availability of award seats for its loyalty program members.

Key Aircraft Under Consideration

SAS is carefully weighing the advantages of each aircraft type to align with its strategic goals. The following aircraft are on the shortlist:

• Airbus A330neo: This aircraft represents a lower-risk replacement for SAS’s existing widebodies. It offers a modern cabin and efficient long-haul operations, likely supporting steady transatlantic expansion. For travelers, this means a comfortable and efficient flying experience. The main tradeoff is that it has less range and prestige compared to the largest widebody jets.

• Airbus A350: The A350 is a flagship long-haul aircraft known for its strong range and fuel efficiency. It aligns well with SAS’s current fleet, meaning pilots, crew, and maintenance systems are already familiar with the aircraft. This familiarity can lead to a smoother integration and faster service entry. For passengers, it promises a quieter ride, better cabin pressure, and modern interiors, which are significant benefits on long overnight flights.

• Boeing 787 Dreamliner: The 787 Dreamliner is another efficient long-haul option with a good reputation among frequent flyers. Its cabin features, such as higher humidity and larger windows, are often highlighted as passenger benefits. This aircraft could be ideal for supporting thinner routes or increasing frequency on existing ones. A Boeing order would also provide SAS with greater supplier leverage, especially if Airbus delivery slots are limited.

• Boeing 777X: This is the largest aircraft in the group and would be a bold choice for SAS. It would only make sense if SAS anticipates sufficient demand to fill its larger cabin on high-density long-haul routes. A significant consideration for the 777X is its delivery timing, which could be a factor if SAS needs new capacity sooner rather than later.

Impact on Travelers and Loyalty Programs

The timing of fleet deliveries directly influences when new cabin products and services become available to passengers. An earlier Airbus order could mean newer seats on popular routes sooner. Conversely, a Boeing choice might expand SAS’s route options but potentially extend the timeline for new cabin features.

SAS’s current all-Airbus widebody fleet provides a consistent operating base, simplifying crew planning and maintenance. Introducing a mixed fleet would add operational complexity but could also offer greater flexibility in matching aircraft size to demand on specific routes. For travelers, a standardized fleet often means more predictable cabin experiences, while mixed fleets can lead to less predictable seat maps.

The competitive landscape is also a driving factor. Airlines like Air France, Lufthansa, British Airways, and KLM are all vying for premium long-haul traffic. SAS needs sufficient scale and modern aircraft to remain competitive.

For loyalty program members, a larger fleet can translate into more award seats, especially if SAS increases flight frequencies or launches new routes. This could mean more opportunities to redeem points for business-class travel, particularly if the airline expands its premium cabin capacity. Award travelers should monitor SAS’s route announcements following the fleet order, as these will indicate where the impact on redemption options will be most felt.

Strategic Considerations for SAS

The decision between standardizing with Airbus or diversifying with Boeing involves a trade-off between operational simplicity and increased flexibility. A standardized fleet generally makes it easier for airlines to manage spare parts, train crews, and swap aircraft during disruptions. However, a mixed fleet can open up new markets or allow for better capacity management on various routes.

The final choice will likely depend on a combination of aircraft preference, operational fit, and, crucially, the availability of delivery slots. SAS has indicated a desire to conclude the order in the second half of 2026, and discussions with both manufacturers are ongoing. The outcome of this significant fleet decision will be closely watched by industry observers and passengers alike, as it promises to reshape SAS’s long-haul operations and passenger experience.

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