Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) has been undergoing some major changes in recent times, following its restructuring. The airline transitioned from Star Alliance to Sky Team, got an investment from Air France-KLM, and is also hoping to become a more globally competitive airline, increasingly focusing on its Copenhagen hub.
Along those lines, the airline has just placed its single largest direct order with an aircraft manufacturer in nearly 30 years, since 1996.
SAS modernizes regional fleet with Embraer E195-E2s
SAS has placed an order for up to 55 Embraer E195-E2s, including 45 firm orders and 10 options. The first new Embraer jet delivery is expected for late 2027, so that’s a bit over two years down the road.
This order is valued at $4 billion at list prices, and supports the carrier’s long term fleet renewal strategy, focused on increasing efficiency, reducing emissions, and unlocking growth opportunities from its Copenhagen hub. SAS claims that the jet’s size and range are ideally suited to complement SAS’ existing fleet and route structure, allowing for more frequencies, better network flexibility, and lower trip costs.
For those not familiar with the Embraer E195-E2, this is the latest generation jet of the Brazilian aircraft manufacturer’s lineup. The E195-E2 is the largest, longest range, and most fuel efficient Embraer E-jet. The plane can seat 120-146 people (depending on the configuration), and can fly up to 2,600 nautical miles.
The plane is great from a passenger experience standpoint, given the 2-2 layout, meaning there are no middle seats onboard. The one catch is that SAS is restoring intra-Europe business class as of late 2025, which typically offers a blocked middle seat. However, it appears that SAS doesn’t plan to block an adjacent seat when there are just two seat per row (on existing aircraft with such a configuration). Then again, a lot can change between now and late 2027.
Here’s how SAS CEO Anko van der Werff describes this aircraft order:
“This is a defining moment for SAS. The Embraer E195-E2 is a world-class aircraft, combining outstanding performance with excellent fuel efficiency and comfort. This aircraft is key to enabling future growth and improved connectivity across Scandinavia and beyond. We’ve taken the time to make the right decision — and this major investment reflects our confidence in the future and the strength of the agreement we have secured.”
How this fits into SAS’ overall fleet strategy
SAS’ mainline fleet currently consists of around 65 aircraft. The short haul fleet includes just over 50 Airbus A320-family jets, with the predominant aircraft being the A320neo. The airline also has a small long haul fleet, consisting of four A350-900s, eight A330-300s, and three A321LRs.
Beyond the mainline fleet, SAS also has robust connectivity with regional aircraft. Subsidiary SAS Link currently operates a fleet of 13 Embraer E195s, while Irish wet lease operator CityJet operates 21 Bombardier CRJ-900s on behalf of SAS.
Presumably the 45-55 Embraer E195-E2s will refresh the regional jet, replacing those aircraft over time. But with the regional fleet currently having 34 aircraft, we’re going to see a significant expansion to that, with 45-55 aircraft. That also says nothing of the fact that the Embraer E195-E2 is way higher capacity than the CRJ-900 (we’re talking 120+ seats compared to 90ish seats).
It’s nice to see Embraer get a big win with its excellent lineup of E2 jets, especially since the company recently suffered a loss, when LOT Polish Airlines ordered Airbus A220s, to replace its existing Embraer aircraft.
Unfortunately the E-jets just aren’t popular in the US, mainly due to how our mainline vs. regional airlines are structured, due to pilot contracts. The E195-E2 is too large for regional airlines to operate, and I imagine legacy carriers can’t make the economics work for flying them as part of mainline fleets.
Bottom line
SAS has just placed a huge aircraft order, for 45-55 Embraer E195-E2s, which will be delivered as of late 2027. This is a great addition to SAS’ fleet, and it means that in the long run, the airline will exclusively fly A320neos and E195-E2s on regional routes.
I wish we’d see more airlines operating the E195-E2, so I’m always happy when I see more airlines order this aircraft.
What do you make of SAS ordering the Embraer E195-E2?
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