SAS’s Newly Designed Long-Haul Cabins Depart Copenhagen for New York

SAS’s first aircraft to fly the airline’s new long-haul cabins, dubbed “Erik Viking,” took off today headed to make it’s big premiere in New York.

The self-aware A330, which tweeted its way into existence, sharing details of its refurbishment process with followers, features enhancements to the passenger experience for Business Class and Economy passengers alike.

Passengers on Flight SK909 from Copenhagen bound for Newark, enjoyed the Scandinavian design of the new cabins and new seats, were entertained by a new “infotainment” system and could stay connected to the ground with the airline’s onboard Wi-Fi.

SAS is investing in its long-haul fleet by refurbishing seven existing aircraft and also incorporating this new image on aircraft which will enter service starting this fall. In all the airline will receive four new Airbus A330-300s between 2015 and 2016 and has eight additional A350-900s on order to be delivered starting 2018, with an option for six more A350s.

Erik Viking will mainly fly between Copenhagen and the U.S. The next aircraft to be updated to the new cabin designs is scheduled to enter service in late March and will mainly fly between Stockholm/Oslo and the U.S.

“We are delighted to now be able to present our ultramodern cabin. It is a huge boost for SAS and will give our customers a totally new in flight experience. The new interior is designed to meet the needs of our frequent flyers and substantially strengthens our customer offer,” says Rickard Gustafson, President and CEO of SAS.

In its design, the airline has chosen “to create a welcoming and relaxing atmosphere.” Seats in the airline’s Economy SAS Go cabin which Skift shortlisted as one of the world’s best boutique economy long-haul cabins before this refresh. SAS Plus the airline’s Premium Economy cabins are designed to be extra roomy and comfortable for longer flights. SAS Business Class seats feature ample storage and have direct aisle access and full-flat beds. The bedding for these lay-flat seats comes from luxury Scandinavian bedding firm, Hästens, the oldest bed manufacturer in Sweden, which SAS indicates will “ensure passengers enjoy a high class sleeping experience.”

The new on-demand in-flight entertainment system includes state-of-the-art HD screens, and WiFi in-flight connectivity is available in all classes of service.

Here is the breakdown of the new cabin features, by the numbers:

SAS Go
Seat configuration: 2-4-2
Pitch: 31”/32”
On-demand entertainment system with 9” HD screens
One power outlet per pair of seats plus individual USB port

SAS Plus
Seat configuration: 2-3-2
Pitch: 38”
On-demand entertainment system with 12” HD screens
Individual power outlet and USB port

SAS Business
Seat configuration: 1-2-1
Direct access to aisle from all seats
Fully flat seats minimum 196 cm length (6’4″)
Massage seats
On-demand entertainment system with 15” HD screens
Individual power outlet and USB port