--- title: "SAS Is Set to Order Around 20 Airbus Widebodies in a Long-Haul Bet" description: "Scandinavian Airlines is closing in on a multibillion-dollar order for new Airbus widebody jets — reported at around 20 aircraft, potentially more once options are counted — a long-haul fleet renewal that signals confidence in its turnaround two years after bankruptcy." category: "Companies" category_url: https://boursel.com/category/companies author: "Priya Venkatesan" published: 2026-06-30T08:43:40.000Z updated: 2026-06-30T08:43:40.000Z canonical: https://boursel.com/article/sas-is-set-to-order-around-20-airbus-widebodies-in-a-long-haul-bet tags: ["sas", "airbus", "airlines", "aviation", "companies"] --- # SAS Is Set to Order Around 20 Airbus Widebodies in a Long-Haul Bet Scandinavian Airlines is closing in on a multibillion-dollar order for new Airbus widebody jets — reported at around 20 aircraft, potentially more once options are counted — a long-haul fleet renewal that signals confidence in its turnaround two years after bankruptcy. Scandinavian Airlines is betting on long-haul again. **SAS** is finalizing a major order for new **Airbus widebody** jets — the long-range, twin-aisle aircraft that fly intercontinental routes — in a deal worth several billion dollars, according to [Bloomberg](https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-06-06/airbus-set-to-secure-widebody-order-from-scandinavian-airlines) and aviation trade outlets. It's a vote of confidence in the carrier's recovery. ## What's being ordered The numbers come with caveats. Reports point to **around 20 widebodies**, a mix of the smaller **A330neo** and the larger, longer-range **A350**, with deliveries in the **early 2030s**, [Simple Flying reported](https://simpleflying.com/airbus-a330neo-a350-widebody-order-sas/). Some accounts, including [Investing.com](https://www.investing.com/news/company-news/sas-orders-up-to-40-airbus-widebody-jets-for-over-10bn-93CH-4767078), put the figure as high as **40** and the value at **over $10 billion** — a total that likely folds in **options** (purchase rights) on top of a smaller firm order. (The exact split of firm orders versus options isn't confirmed; treat the headline numbers as a range.) One important caveat on price: aircraft deals are quoted at **list prices**, but big airline customers almost always negotiate **substantial, undisclosed discounts** — so the real outlay is well below any sticker figure. Analysts peg the list value of 15–20 widebodies at roughly **$5–7 billion**. ## Why SAS is buying now The order is about **fleet renewal**. SAS flies a small long-haul fleet — around eight older **A330-300s** and six **A350-900s** — and replacing the oldest jets with new ones cuts **fuel burn and emissions** and modernizes the cabin. Pairing the efficient A330neo for thinner routes with the bigger A350 for dense intercontinental flights lets the airline match the right plane to each market. Staying **all-Airbus** also avoids the cost and complexity of training crews and building support for a second aircraft family — a sensible move for an airline still rebuilding. ## A turnaround in the air The bigger story is SAS's **comeback.** The flag carrier of Sweden, Denmark and Norway went through a **Chapter 11 bankruptcy** restructuring and emerged in 2024 with new backers — including **Air France-KLM**, which took a stake — and **switched alliances** from Star Alliance to **SkyTeam**, pulling it into Air France-KLM's orbit and feeding traffic through partner hubs. Committing billions to new long-haul jets is the clearest sign yet that management believes the worst is behind it. ## The industry backdrop The timing fits a broader **widebody boom.** With long-haul travel fully recovered, airlines worldwide are renewing aging fleets with fuel-efficient twins, and **Airbus's A330neo and A350** are reaping strong demand while rival **Boeing** works through certification and production problems on its 787 and 777X. A fresh European flag-carrier order reinforces Airbus's grip on that segment — though, like the whole industry, it faces multiyear **delivery backlogs**. ## Why it matters For **SAS**, modern long-haul jets mean lower costs and a more competitive product on transatlantic and Asian routes, where fuel economy and cabin comfort sway passengers. For **Airbus**, it's another marquee win. And for travelers, it's a reminder that even an airline that recently passed through bankruptcy is now **investing for the next decade** — a small but telling signal about the health of the long-haul market. Boursel offers no view on any stock; the takeaway is that SAS, not long ago a survival story, is again **planning to grow.** ## Sources - [SAS orders up to 40 Airbus widebody jets for over $10bn](https://www.investing.com/news/company-news/sas-orders-up-to-40-airbus-widebody-jets-for-over-10bn-93CH-4767078) - [Airbus closing in on A330neo & A350 widebody order from SAS](https://simpleflying.com/airbus-a330neo-a350-widebody-order-sas/)