Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) has ordered 55 Embraer E195-E2 aircraft to strengthen its intra-European operations. With this move, SAS becomes the 22nd E2 customer worldwide.
Speaking at the signing ceremony held on July 1 at Copenhagen Kastrup Airport, SAS President and CEO Anko van der Werff said: “This is a bold investment. We are entering the next phase of our transformation journey to build a new SAS.”
The agreement includes 45 firm orders and purchase rights for 10 additional aircraft. This marks SAS’s largest direct jet aircraft order from a manufacturer since 1996.
The first deliveries from Embraer are expected to begin in late 2027 or early 2028. Van der Werff stated that one aircraft will be delivered each month, saying, “We will receive a new aircraft every month for four years.”
The new aircraft will be placed within SAS’s subsidiary SAS Link, which currently operates 13 E195-E1 aircraft. This number will rise to 15 E1s before the first E2 delivery. The CEO emphasized that the transition to new technologies is also exciting for pilots.
The E195-E2 aircraft are expected to have a seating capacity of around 136 seats. Van der Werff noted that this investment is “heavier but more flexible compared to larger 180-seat aircraft like the A320neo.”
He also highlighted that aircraft of this size will enable access to growing markets across Europe and strengthen Scandinavia’s role as a central hub: “With these aircraft, we can keep traffic here,” he said.
The E195-E2 fleet will play a key role on northern routes where the Airbus A320neo is too large. The CEO also stated that the airline aims to increase frequency and efficiency on routes currently served by smaller aircraft such as ATRs and CRJs.
Van der Werff added, “The E2s will replace the E1s, and the A319 fleet will also be retired. This gives us flexibility.” The long-term plan also includes phasing out wet-leased CRJ and ATR aircraft.
Commenting on the agreement, Embraer Commercial Aviation CEO Arjan Meijer said, “The decision by a prestigious airline like SAS to choose our aircraft is a testament to how competitive the E2 series is.”
Meijer further noted that SAS’s major decision could serve as an example to other European operators: “The E2 offers an excellent balance in the small and mid-size segment. Our growth in Europe will continue.”
SAS’s CEO underlined that the company is undergoing a challenging restructuring process, stating: “At this point, I can say we are laying strong foundations for the future of SAS.”
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