Scandinavian Airlines System (SAS) has signed a memorandum of understanding for eight A350 XWB and four A330 aircraft, as part of its strategy to modernize its fleet, the agreement was signed in the Norwegian capital, Oslo. 

While Rolls-Royce won an order worth $1 billion, at list prices, for Trent XWB and Trent 700 engines and long term support services agreement.
 
The new A350-900s and A330-300s will join the airline’s existing fleet of 30 Airbus aircraft. The Trent XWBs will power eight Airbus A350-900 aircraft and the Trent 700s will power four Airbus A330-300 aircraft.

Currently, SAS operates a fleet of 19 A320 family aircraft, four A330s and seven A340s. The Trent XWB engine, is designed for the Airbus A350 XWB aircraft, with more than 1,400 already on order. It powered the first test flight of the A350 XWB at Toulouse on 14 June this year.
 
The Trent 700 is installed on the Airbus A330 aircraft with more than 1,500 sold or on order. It has secured 70 per cent of new orders in the last four years, according to the engine maker. SAS operates four Trent 700-powered A330s. 

Rickard Gustafson, SAS Group president & chief executive officer, said: “The great technological improvements of this extensive fleet renewal plan give SAS a long haul fleet that will be top of class in the industry. It will truly increase our competitiveness and strengthen our customer offering – both with regard to comfort, service and efficiency. We look forward to welcoming our passengers on board these fuel efficient aircraft with extremely comfortable and quiet cabin.

"Today, we launch an extensive fleet renewal plan that gives SAS a state of the art long haul fleet. To maximize the fuel efficiency and reach of our aircraft, we have selected engines from Rolls-Royce. I'm very pleased with Rolls-Royce as our engine partner, who will contribute to offering our customers a comfortable and efficient journey."
 
John Leahy, Airbus chief operating officer, Customers, added: “We are delighted that SAS has underscored their confidence in Airbus by selecting our A330, which offers unbeatable economics and the highest level of operational reliability alongside the A350 XWB, the world’s most technologically advanced and efficient aircraft."

Eric Schulz, Rolls-Royce, president - civil large engines, commented: "This is a significant order for the Trent XWB, the most efficient engine in the world today, and the Trent 700, which is a clear market leader. We look forward to developing our relationship with SAS."

The A350 XWB (Xtra Wide-Body) is an all-new, mid-size long-range aircraft product line comprising three versions and seating between 270 and 350 passengers in typical three-class layouts.

The A330 Family, seating between 250 to 300 passengers, and includes freighter, VIP, and military transport/tanker variants, has now secured more than 1,200 orders, with around 900 aircraft flying with more than 100 operators worldwide.