SAS’ first A350, Ingegerd Viking, has officially entered SAS’ fleet and will commence long-haul service on 28 January.
“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%. Also the external noise foot print will be reduced by 40%. 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.
SAS designers and engineers looked at all elements of the aircraft and designed an interior to match and enhance the high comfort level, while also minimising weight and thereby reducing carbon emissions. Several of SAS’ features are based on feedback from customers.
“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,” said 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.
SAS Business features 40 seats with an 18.5-inch in-flight entertainment screen 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 cm, 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 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 offers 32 seats of a brand-new type 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. Travellers in SAS Plus and SAS Go can enjoy a special snack shop designed to encourage passengers to take a walk to boost health onboard.
SAS Go features 228 seats with 11.6-inch IFE screens with high resolution, high-power USB, a bi-fold meal table and a water bottle holder. The plane also features a “cross-aisle” passageway midway through SAS Go, for the benefit of passengers and crew.
The A350 features also a new work environment for crew. In addition to eight spacious beds for cabin crew and pilots, galleys have been redesigned to provide better, larger work surfaces for cabin crew. Furthermore, the A350 has iPads to help with personalisation of service and make it easier for crew to automatically report faults to maintenance, and more.
