Air Lease delivered one new Airbus A321-200neo LR aircraft on long-term lease to SAS. Powered by CFM International LEAP-1A33 engines, this aircraft is the first of three A321-200neo LRs confirmed to deliver to the Scandinavian airline from Air Leases’s order book with Airbus. The other two A321-200neo LR aircraft are scheduled to deliver to the airline in 2021.

“ALC is pleased to announce this first A321-200neo LR delivery to SAS today and introduce the A321neo LR to the airline,” Steven F. Udvar-Házy, executive chairman of Air Lease, said. “The A321neo LR from ALC will allow SAS to commence non-stop transatlantic flights from Copenhagen and other cities in Scandinavia to the U.S. and Canada, further enhancing SAS’ overall operations and commitment to maintain a highly competitive, fuel-efficient fleet.”

“This is a new aircraft type for SAS and it is well-suited to the Scandinavian market travel patterns. SAS’ ongoing fleet renewal, including new long-haul aircraft such as the A321neo LR, is an investment towards more comfortable travel and sustainable aviation,” Niklas Hårdänge, vice president of fleet management for SAS, said. “Reducing the carbon footprint in the airline industry is crucial and SAS aims to lead the way. We have set a target of reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 25% by 2025.”

In addition to this new A321-200neo LR, SAS currently has two Airbus A320-200neo aircraft on long-term lease from Air Lease, which was delivered in 2020. With the two new A321-200neo LRs scheduled to deliver in 2021, the airline will have a total of five aircraft on lease from Air Lease next year.