SAS welcomes its first A350
The SAS Plus cabin seats 32 passengers with 13.3 inch high resolution IFE
The first of eight A350s officially entered SAS’ fleet this week and will be taking passengers on long haul service starting January 28.
“The A350 is a milestone in the extensive renewal of the SAS fleet which will consist of the market’s most advanced and fuel-efficient aircraft. With this aircraft we reduce the fuel consumption compared with the aircraft it replaces, which means reduced carbon emissions by up to 30 percent. Also, the external noise footprint will be reduced by 40 percent. Along with the new livery, the A350 is a symbol of a more sustainable and competitive future for SAS, “says Rickard Gustafson, President & CEO, SAS in the December 9 releases.
On each flight, a total of 300 passengers and crew can look forward to an environment with the quietest double-aisle cabin, an optimized cabin altitude, with more fresh air, and advanced control of temperature and humidity.
The first A350, Ingegerd Viking will be based at the SAS hub at Copenhagen Airport and will operate on seven routes during the first year, including Chicago, Beijing, New York, Tokyo, Shanghai, Hong Kong and San Francisco.
As a part the modernization of the short and long haul fleet, SAS will take delivery of new A320neo (80), A330 Enhanced (5), A350 (8), and A321LR (3) aircraft before the end of 2023.
The cabin ceiling of the A350 is the highest in the industry, with vertical sidewalls for more shoulder room, and the overhead bins are the largest on the market. The aircraft has a high definition tail camera providing views of the aircraft during the flight at every seat-back screen.
SAS Business will have 40 seats seats featuring an in-flight entertainment screen 18,5 inches with higher resolution, PC-power and high-power USB, better articulation of the seat, separate control for backrest recline, a new bi-fold tray table including a personal device holder and more durable seat padding. The business class beds measure a minimum of 196 centimeters, with some even longer, and SAS has installed a durable threshold that also can give a light foot massage.
SAS has developed a new welcoming area at the entrance door where passengers featuring inlaid lights and other unique design features. During the flight, this area will serve as a refreshment bar for SAS Business travelers.
SAS Plus has 32 seats with a leg rest with a foot support feature, 13.3” high-resolution IFE screens, PC-power and high-power USB and a cabin divider distinctly separating the cabin from the rest of the plane. Travelers in SAS Plus and SAS Go can enjoy a special snack shop designed to encourage passengers to take a walk.
SAS Go has 228 seats with 11.6” IFE screens with high resolution, high-power USB, a bi-fold meal table and a water bottle holder. The aircraft also features a “cross-aisle” passageway midway through SAS Go, for the benefit of passengers and crew.
