After an ambitious upgrade program spanning just over six months, SAS has now completed the transformation of its entire Airbus A330 long-haul fleet, unveiling brand-new cabin interiors across all aircraft. The airline is also set to finalize similar enhancements to its Airbus A340s, cementing its commitment to delivering a world-class onboard experience. We sat down with Knut Ness, SAS’s Senior Project Manager, to discuss the journey and challenges of this extensive modernization.
Our editorial team has tracked the evolution of this project since its earliest days, when we had the exclusive opportunity to review SAS’s next-generation business class offering.
In the initial phase, we were among the first to board ‘Erik the Viking,’ the debut aircraft to receive the full cabin overhaul at SR Technics’ Zurich facility.
Recently, we visited SR Technics at Zurich-Kloten airport, where the final A330, ‘Sigrid Viking,’ was in the final stages of its transformation before its return to active service in Copenhagen.
Inside the bustling maintenance hangar, activity was at its peak. During our early June inspection, Sigrid Viking had already spent three weeks undergoing upgrades, with just days remaining before its redeployment. As the project’s lead, Knut Ness orchestrated every detail to ensure seamless certification and operational readiness, coordinating a complex web of suppliers and processes.
"Ideally, we would have benefited from an additional year for these upgrades," Ness shared, "but SAS leadership prioritized a swift rollout to ensure our passengers enjoy the new cabins as soon as possible."
Costly project
SAS had not undertaken a comprehensive cabin refresh for its long-haul fleet in nearly a decade, primarily due to the significant financial investment required—this project represents one of the largest capital outlays in the airline’s recent history.
Every legacy seat was replaced, with modern panels and brand-new lavatories and galley spaces installed throughout. The results are striking: sleek, ergonomic seating and revitalized spaces that set a new standard for Scandinavian aviation. Each seat now features upgraded wiring and the latest in-flight entertainment technology, including a fully digital content library and high-speed wireless connectivity enabled by advanced satellite receivers discreetly placed atop the aircraft.
Touring the cabin with Knut, we noted numerous refinements, from subtle design tweaks to major system integrations. SR Technics’ dedicated teams operated around the clock, with dual-daytime and overnight shifts to ensure on-time completion—a testament to the scale and logistical sophistication involved.
Of course, no project of this magnitude is without its challenges. Knut recounted, "We encountered a few unexpected issues—such as a curtain that needed redesigning to comply with safety signage, and a minor flaw in the SAS Go seatback plastic which has since been resolved. Our priority has always been to address these quickly and maintain the highest safety and quality standards."
Warm reception from SAS customers
The response from travelers has been overwhelmingly positive, especially given the rapid pace of the transformation. Over 90% of our readers who experienced the new cabins awarded them a perfect rating, highlighting the leap in comfort and style.
When asked, "Are you more inclined to choose SAS following the cabin upgrades?" an impressive 70% responded "very likely," underscoring the value frequent flyers place on the rejuvenated Business Class and SAS Plus offerings.
Knut Ness proudly demonstrated the new SAS Go seats, emphasizing enhanced legroom and ergonomic support.
Sigrid Viking’s timely return to service saw its inaugural flight to Washington, D.C., the very next day—symbolizing the seamless transition from refurbishment to international operations.
The project will end in autumn 2015
With the arrival of two brand-new Airbus A330 Enhanced aircraft from Toulouse, SAS continues to invest in its long-haul product, deploying these jets on key intercontinental routes such as Hong Kong. According to Ness, "Most passengers won’t notice major differences compared to the upgraded A330s, though there are small refinements, particularly in lavatory design and onboard technology."
During our visit, the SAS Go cabin was a blank canvas, awaiting the installation of its new seating, while SAS Plus seats were staged for final assembly in Sigrid Viking.
Knut also highlighted the latest roof-mounted satellite system, which automatically adjusts dual antennas in real time to maintain optimal broadband connectivity, ensuring a seamless digital experience for passengers throughout the journey.
Later this year, the final three A340 aircraft will undergo the same comprehensive cabin refresh in Zurich, marking the culmination of this extensive renewal program. Four additional A340s, currently under short-term lease, remain in service; whether these will also be upgraded depends on future fleet strategy and ongoing evaluations by SAS management, balancing operational needs with sustainability and passenger demand.
