Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) has unveiled the interior of its newly-delivered A350 aircraft. The first of eight A350s will enter service on 28 January 2020 and will operate on seven routes during the first year, including Chicago, Beijing, New York, Tokyo, Shanghai, Hong Kong and San Francisco. The aircraft features innovative technology and design and offers a more sustainable way of travelling.
“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,” says Rickard Gustafson, President & CEO, SAS. “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%. Along with the new livery, the A350 is a symbol of a more sustainable and competitive future for SAS.”
SAS designers and engineers have looked at all elements of the aircraft and designed an interior to match and enhance the high comfort level, while also minimising weight and therefore reducing carbon emissions.
“The aircraft is one of our biggest investments, enabling us to provide an outstanding travel experience. We look forward to welcoming our passengers on board this state-of the-art aircraft,” added Gustafson.
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.
The SAS Business class features 40 seats in a 1-2-1 configuration with an 18.5 inch inflight entertainment screen, PC-power and high-power USB. Among other features are 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 196cm, with some even longer, and SAS has installed a durable threshold that also can give a light foot massage.
SAS has also developed a new welcoming area at the entrance door where travellers are greeted in a stylish area, featuring inlaid lights and other unique design features. During the flight, this area will serve as a refreshment bar for SAS Business travellers.
SAS Plus, the airline’s premium economy class, has 32 seats, which are brand-new to SAS. They include a leg rest with a foot support feature, 13.3-inch high-resolution IFE screens, PC-power and high-power USB and a cabin divider distinctly separating the cabin from the rest of the plane. Passengers in SAS Plus and SAS Go can enjoy a special snack shop designed to encourage passengers to take a walk to boost health onboard.
The aircraft also has 228 economy seats with 11.6-inch IFE screens with high resolution, high-power USB, a bi-fold meal table and a water bottle holder. A “cross-aisle” passageway midway through SAS Go has also been designed for the benefit of passengers and crew.
The A350 features a new work environment for crew with eight spacious beds for cabin crew and pilots and galleys that have been redesigned to provide better, larger work surfaces for cabin crew. Furthermore, the A350 has iPads both to help with personalisation of service and make it easier for crew to automatically report faults to maintenance, and more.
As a part the modernisation of the short and long-haul fleet, SAS will take delivery of a new Airbus A320neo (80), Airbus A330 Enhanced (5), Airbus A350 (8), and Airbus A321LR (3) aircraft before the end of 2023.
