- SAS to acquire five used A330-300s from Virgin Atlantic
- Deal supports near-term intercontinental growth for SAS
- Expansion includes 18 firm A330-900neo orders plus 10 options
- Total expansion valued at over US$10bn
- Incoming A330s offer 95pc parts commonality with existing fleet
SAS Scandinavian Airlines is set to acquire five used Airbus A330-300 aircraft previously operated by Virgin Atlantic. The move supports the carrier’s near-term intercontinental growth and bridges capacity ahead of new aircraft deliveries.
The transaction involves five former Virgin Atlantic A330-300 airframes transitioning to SAS. The addition aligns with SAS’s announcement of its largest widebody investment, combining new A330-900neo orders with interim A330ceo capacity. The entire landmark expansion comprises 18 firm orders for the A330-900neo with options for 10 more alongside 12 A330-300s, representing a list price value of over US$10bn.
The incoming A330s offer a 95pc shared airframe parts commonality with the carrier’s pre-existing Airbus fleet, keeping maintenance and pilot transitions efficient. Virgin Atlantic has been phasing out its older A330-300 units as part of its ongoing transition toward an all-next-generation fleet.
