SAS has taken delivery of its first Airbus A350-900 as part of an extensive fleet modernisation for the Scandinavian carrier.

The airline has eight A350-900s on order, and will also take delivery of 54 Airbus A320neos through direct purchase and lease contracts.

The first A350-900 will start operating on Copenhagen – Chicago services on 28 January 2020, followed by other North American and Asian routes.

The A350 XWB features the latest aerodynamic design, a carbon fibre fuselage and wings, plus Rolls Royce engines.

New technologies improve operational efficiency and reduces fuel burn and emissions by 25%.