Scandinavian airline SAS placed a firm order with Airbus for 18 A330neo aircraft as part of an ongoing fleet modernization effort. The order includes further options for as many as 22 more of the same model aircraft, and although neither Airbus nor SAS offered details on the value of the basic order it could be worth as much as $5.7 billion based on list prices for the A330neo.

The contract also initiates a parallel order with Rolls-Royce for 40 Trent 7000 high-bypass turbofan engines, the exclusive powerplant for that Airbus series.

SAS, like numerous commercial carriers, has started a multi-billion dollar modernization program to update its long-range aircraft fleet (the focus for the current order), expand its regional service network, and modernize its narrow-body fleet.

The scope of commercial airlines’ fleet “modernization” or “renewal” programs is principally responsible for the impressive order backlogs with Airbus and its rival Boeing. Airbus has orders for more than 9,000 new aircraft, with a total estimated value of $6 70 billion. Boeing’s order backlog is more than 6,100 aircraft, with an estimated value of $576 billion.

“Combining outstanding economics with improved environmental performance, the aircraft will play a key role in our long-term fleet strategy. It will allow us to deliver an exceptional customer experience, expand our network, and offer greater flexibility and convenience for our passengers,” according to SAS CEO Anko van der Werff.

The A330neo is a widebody, twin-engine aircraft introduced in 2018 as a revision to the previous A330, to achieve more fuel-efficiency thanks to the Trent 7000 engines and other aerodynamic improvements, as well as more passenger amenities for long-haul routes.

The A330-900 model that SAS has selected has a range of 7,350 nautical miles (13,610 km / 8,460 miles) and seating capacity for 287 passengers.

Currently the carrier operates eight of the predecessor model A330-300 aircraft on its long-range routes.

“We are immensely proud to see SAS reaffirm its trust in Airbus to drive its fleet modernisation. The A330-900 is the undisputed benchmark for efficiency and versatility in its category. By integrating these 18 A330neo, SAS will benefit from unbeatable seat-mile economics and seamless operational synergies with its existing Airbus fleet," stated Airbus exec. vice president Benoît de Saint-Exupéry.

Airbus has not announced the delivery schedule for the new aircraft.