SAS Scandinavian Airlines wants to return ten leased jets
Multinational carrier Scandinavian Airlines System (SAS) wants to return ten aircraft owned by leasing companies, ch-aviation reported. The move is part of the company’s voluntary restructuring process under the protection of Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Act.
On Sept. 3, the airline’s legal representatives filed a motion to reject the leases and implement return procedures for five narrow-body and five wide-body aircraft. They also requested to return four CFM International CFM56 engines.
The resizing of the fleet is a key part of the restructuring programme, which the company called «SAS Forward». In this regard, management and partners stated that they do not need «excess leased equipment» to meet scheduled commercial operations. In addition, they assured that the units involved are «no longer part of the business plan».
The return request follows a comprehensive review to reduce the mix of aircraft in operation based on an analysis of market conditions, observed demand and other business factors. The company said it will continue to analyse its fleet and aircraft powerplants to determine the necessary reductions.
According to ch-aviation, Scandinavian Airlines’ fleet currently consists:
- 4 Airbus A319s (all owned)
- 11A320s (two owned)
- 52 A320neo (eleven owned)
- 7 A321s (four owned)
- 3 A321neo (all leased)
- 8 A330-300s (four owned)
- 6 A350-900s (four owned)
- 10 Boeing 737-700s (eight owned)
- 4 737-800s (all owned).
- In addition, 3 Embraer 195s are operated through its subsidiary SAS Link.
The ten aircraft that the airline requested to return:
- 3 Airbus A320neo
- 1 A321, 3 A330-300
- 2 A350-900
- 1 Boeing 737-700
The ten airplanes are currently parked at Scandinavian Airlines’ bases in Copenhagen, Stockholm and Oslo. aviacionline.com