SAS to exercise option for Next-Generation 737s

SAS Scandinavian Airlines has announced that it has exercised options for two Next-Generation 737-800 aircraft. The airplanes will strengthen the 737 fleet of SAS Scandinavian Airlines to support growth on domestic and intra-European routes. The airline will equip the airplanes with fuel-saving Blended Winglets.

"SAS has ambitious targets to strengthen its position on the Northern European market. With these additional airplanes we can increase frequencies and add routes to our network, thereby serving our customers even better," said Mats Jansson, president and CEO of SAS Group. "We have a long history of being environmentally conscious, so we are delighted with the significant emission-reducing improvements of the 737 family."

The SAS group has a fleet of 88 Boeing 737s. Two new B-737-700s were delivered to SAS Norway earlier this year.

"The 737 has undergone continuous improvements to meet evolving market demands. As well as being the most high-tech, most reliable single-aisle aircraft available, the Next-Generation 737 has environmentally progressive features such as fuel-saving Blended Winglets and lighter-weight carbon brakes," said Marlin Dailey, vice president Sales, Europe, Russia & Central Asia, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. The lighter-weight carbon brakes are available on all Next-Generation 737 models from 2008 as a no-charge optional feature.

The two B-737-800s will be delivered in 2009.