Scandinavian airline SAS plans to buy up to 55 aircraft from Brazilian manufacturer Embraer in a deal worth approximately $4bn, said CEO Anko van der Werff in a press release.

SAS will take delivery of 45 Embraer E195-E2 jets starting in late 2027, with purchase rights for ten more. The aircraft deliveries will extend over approximately four years and will serve routes across Scandinavia and Europe, optimising SAS' operations and enhancing connectivity through more frequencies and better network flexibility.

"This is a defining moment for SAS," said van der Werff, calling it the airline's largest direct manufacturer order since 1996. "The Embraer E195-E2 is a world-class aircraft, combining outstanding performance with excellent fuel efficiency and comfort. This aircraft is key to enabling future growth and improved connectivity across Scandinavia and beyond."

The order comes as the Nordic airline, whose main shareholders are Denmark, Sweden and Air France-KLM group, emerges from restructuring under US Chapter 11 protection, which began in July 2022 and concluded in August 2024. The deal was facilitated by Skyworks Holding and supports SAS' long-term fleet renewal strategy focused on increasing efficiency, reducing emissions, and unlocking growth opportunities from its Copenhagen hub.

The E195-E2 aircraft are powered by Pratt & Whitney's advanced PW1900G GTF engines, delivering 29% better fuel efficiency and 62% noise reduction compared to previous-generation aircraft. The E2 family has been tested with 100% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and is being certified for full SAF operation, though current blends of up to 50% SAF are already achievable.

"We are thrilled to deepen our partnership with SAS through this landmark deal," said Arjan Meijer, President and CEO of Embraer Commercial Aviation. "The E195-E2 is a game-changer in terms of efficiency, performance, and passenger comfort, and will play a crucial role in SAS' fleet renewal and expansion strategy."

SAS was recently ranked as the world's most punctual airline, placing first out of 660 airlines globally for on-time performance in April and May 2025, according to Cirium.

The announcement adds to recent gains for Embraer. In June, at the Paris Air Show, Embraer confirmed an order for 60 E175 jets from SkyWest, worth $3.6bn. SkyWest holds purchase rights for 50 more. "The E175 aircraft is the cornerstone of regional aviation in North America," said Meijer. SkyWest already operates 263 E175s.

Separately, Paraguay's president Santiago Peña this week received four of six Super Tucano aircraft from Embraer in a $105mn deal to strengthen border security. "They are part of the air forces of 20 countries, including the United States," said military historian Antonio Sapienza. Peña said the aircraft will help intercept small planes crossing Paraguay to reach Brazil, Argentina and Europe.