Boeing

Scandinavian Airlines System (SAS), the national carrier of Denmark, Norway and Sweden, has taken delivery of its 11th Boeing Next-Generation 737-800. The airplane is the airline's first with the new versatile, passenger-pleasing intra-Euro cabin configuration.

The new SAS 737-800 interior configuration features a new seating system developed by Boeing that allows airlines to vary the number of seats in business and economy classes, depending on demand. These powered, "variable-geometry" seats easily can be converted from standard six-abreast economy seating rows to a more spacious five-abreast business-class configuration, enabling SAS to tailor its service more precisely to meet passenger needs. The SAS 737-800 will seat 132 to 150 passengers and feature a popular extra-large lavatory with two windows in business class.

"The flexible Boeing 737-800 with Intra-Euro interior enables SAS to operate to the Scandinavian capitals triangle and other major European destinations efficiently. Both customers and staff appreciate the interior design of the intra-Euro 737-800," said Karin Strömberg, vice president and head of SAS network management.

The Next-Generation 737 models build on the strengths that have made the 737 the world's most successful commercial airplane, while incorporating improvements designed for the 21st century. These improvements include a new and larger wing, higher cruise speed, more range and new engines with improvements in noise, fuel burn and thrust.

"The 737-800 in this configuration is the perfect combination of versatility, comfort, reliability and reduced operating costs that SAS needs for its particular market needs," said Toby Bright, senior vice president-Europe and Russia, Boeing Commercial Airplanes Group. "We are pleased to be delivering yet another 737 to this valued customer."

SAS also operates 30 Next-Generation 737-600s and six Next-Generation 737-700s, in addition to 13 767s. The airline is scheduled to receive nine more Next-Generation 737 airplanes in the near future.