SAS orders up to 40 Airbus widebody jets in over $10 billion deal, largest in its history

A record order

Scandinavian airline SAS announced on Tuesday its largest-ever aircraft order, booking up to 40 Airbus widebody jets for a total list price exceeding $10 billion. The deal covers a mix of new Airbus A330-900neo and additional A330-300 aircraft, with the latter helping to support near-term growth before the new fleet arrives. SAS said the investment would underpin the continued development of its long-haul network.

“The largest investment in the company's history and a clear signal of our confidence in the future.”

From bankruptcy to profit

The order caps a dramatic turnaround for the 1946-founded carrier. SAS filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in July 2022 after years of losses, high costs, and a pandemic collapse in travel. The process allowed it to restructure more than $2 billion in debt, adjust its fleet, and delist its shares, handing the airline to new owners in a profitable state. It exited Chapter 11 in mid-2024 and returned to an operating profit in 2025.

Air France-KLM currently holds a 19.9% stake and last year began steps to acquire a controlling interest of up to 60.5%. The Airbus order follows a previous order in 2025 for up to 55 Embraer regional jets, destined for Nordic routes with deliveries starting in 2027.

Fleet modernisation

The A330-900neo and -300 aircraft will replace older long-haul types and strengthen SAS's ability to connect Scandinavia with key international markets. The airline said the modernisation is the most significant in decades, positioning it to compete after restructuring. The combined fleet investments mark the airline's largest capital commitment, exceeding $10 billion at list prices.

Copenhagen hub and jobs

SAS plans to expand its hub at Copenhagen Airport significantly. An economic analysis presented alongside the order shows that, if planned growth is achieved, 25,000 additional jobs could be created in Denmark by 2030, along with roughly 4,000 jobs in southern Sweden. The order was unveiled at an event in the Danish capital, underscoring the airline's Nordic growth ambitions.