SAS’ first Airbus A321LR is planned to complete it’s first long-haul flight on 22nd December. The flight will operate between Copenhagen and Washington. The airline then plans to put the aircraft into service on 27th March 2022.

“This is an entirely new aircraft type for SAS, which is incredibly well suited to the Scandinavian market and emerging travel patterns to and from the region. It gives SAS an opportunity to offer travelers more intercontinental routes, fewer stopovers, and shorter travel times to and from Scandinavia. The new aircraft is equipped with a service concept at par with the rest of SAS’ long-haul fleet, offering passengers all the benefits, level of comfort and choices of our traveling classes,” says Karl Sandlund, EVP & Chief Commercial Officer.

The A321LR is configured for longer range operation than the standard A321Neo. This allows SAS to operate long haul routes that don’t have the demand for a wide bodied aircraft. The carbon footprint of the A321LR is approximately 15-18% smaller than the equivalent last generation aircraft. This combined with SAS’ introduction of the A320Neo will help them continue to reduce overall emissions.

“Reducing the carbon footprint in the airline industry is crucial and SAS aims to lead the way toward sustainable travel. We have set a target of reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 25 percent by 2030. The ongoing fleet renewal, including new long-haul aircraft, is an investment toward more sustainable aviation,” continues Sandlund.

The A321LR first entered service with SAS on 20th December, operating a flight between Copenhagen and Oslo.