LOS ANGELES: Air Lease Corporation announced the delivery of one new Airbus A321-200neo LR aircraft on long-term lease to Scandinavian Airlines System (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 ALC’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,” said Steven F. Udvar-Házy, Executive Chairman of Air Lease Corporation.

“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,” said Niklas Hårdänge, Vice President Fleet Management of SAS.

“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 ALC which 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 ALC next year.

About Air Lease Corporation (ALC) is a leading aircraft leasing company based in Los Angeles, California that has airline customers throughout the world. ALC and its team of dedicated and experienced professionals are principally engaged in purchasing commercial aircraft and leasing them to its airline customers worldwide through customized aircraft leasing and financing solutions. www.airleasecorp.com

Scandinavian Airlines System (SAS) carries more than 30 million passengers annually and is Scandinavia’s leading airline with close to 800 daily flights on 272 routes to 123 destinations in Scandinavia, Europe, USA and Asia. SAS is a member of Star Alliance and can together with its partner airlines offer more than 18,400 daily flights to 1,300 destinations around the world in over 190 countries.

SAS is listed at the stock exchanges in Stockholm, Copenhagen and Oslo. www.sasgroup.net