The SAS board has finally approved the Scandinavian flag carrier's long-awaited purchase of four A330-300s and six A340-300s to replace Boeing 767-300ERs on long-haul routes. The airline's selection of the Airbus types over the rival 777-200ER was revealed by Flight International in January, although the order was delayed until internal cost-cutting targets were met (Flight International, 20-26 January).
The deal, valued by SAS at SKr10 billion ($1.18 billion), includes options on seven aircraft, which can be taken as A330s or A340s. SAS says its 767s will be progressively phased out as the Airbuses are delivered between 2001 and 2004. It operates 14 of the Boeing twins, nine of them leased.
The A330s will be configured to seat 278 passengers in two classes, while the A340s will carry 275. Engine selection for the A330 twins is due in the first quarter of 2000, with the Pratt & Whitney PW4000 and Rolls-Royce Trent 700 left in the running after the elimination of General Electric's CF6-80E1 engine.
• Cathay Pacific has confirmed its order for three additional Rolls-Royce Trent 700-powered Airbus A330-300s (Flight International, 15-21 December). The high gross weight models will be delivered in early 2001.
Source: Flight International
