December 23 2021  |  Seating

SAS shows off new A321 interiors

SAS said the narrow-body, single aisled aircraft is configured to fly longer distances than a standard A321neo

Scandinavian Airlines' (SAS) A321LR aircraft completed its first long-haul flight on December 22 from Copenhagen to Washington and will enter official service on March 27, 2022.

"The aircraft is equipped with a service concept with three travel classes, like the rest of SAS’ long-haul fleet, and will increase SAS’ flexibility to meet Scandinavian travel patterns. The A321LR is part of SAS’ ongoing fleet renewal and will reduce climate-impacting emissions in comparison to previous generations of similar aircraft,” said a December 21 press release.

SAS said the narrow-body, single aisled aircraft is configured to fly longer distances than a standard A321neo. The smaller aircraft gives SAS the opportunity to fill the aircraft on new routes.

The aircraft has 22 Business, 12 Plus and 123 Go, meaning a total of 157 seats in a single aisle aircraft. The seats are especially chosen for the A321LR to optimize the comfort in all three travel classes to meet the expectations of frequent travelers. Seats in SAS Business are fully flat seat beds and there are different mood light scenarios in the cabins, as well as high-speed Wi-Fi. Every seat is equipped with IFE screens, PC-power and/or Hi-power USB. The reduced noise level inside the cabin will further enhance the travel experience onboard.

The smaller aircraft gives SAS the opportunity to fill the aircraft on new routes

“This is an entirely new aircraft type for SAS, which is incredibly well suited to the Scandinavian market and emerging travel patterns to and from the region. It gives SAS an opportunity to offer travelers more intercontinental routes, fewer stopovers, and shorter travel times to and from Scandinavia. The new aircraft is equipped with a service concept at par with the rest of SAS’ long-haul fleet, offering passengers all the benefits, level of comfort and choices of our traveling classes,” says Karl Sandlund, Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer.

The A321LR is part of the latest generation of aircraft and is expected to reduce climate-impacting emissions by around the same amount as when SAS introduced the A320neo, whose carbon footprint is approximately 15 to 18 percent smaller than an equivalent size aircraft from the previous generation.

The A321LR is part of the latest generation of aircraft

“Reducing the carbon footprint in the airline industry is crucial and SAS aims to lead the way toward sustainable travel. We have set a target of reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 25 percent by 2030. The ongoing fleet renewal, including new long-haul aircraft, is an investment toward more sustainable aviation,” continues Sandlund.

SAS, Scandinavian Airlines, Interiors, seating, A321, A321LR, long-haul flights