SAS exercises options for two 737s

SAS Scandinavian Airlines has exercised options for two Next-Generation 737-800 aircraft, which are scheduled to be delivered to the airline in 2009.

The carrier said in a statement recently that the airplanes will be used to grow its domestic and intra-European routes. The airline has also specified that it wanted both planes to have fuel-saving blended winglets.

"We have a long history of being environmentally conscious, so we are delighted with the emission-reducing improvements of the 737 family, said SAS president Mats Jansson.

"SAS has ambitious targets to strengthen its position in the northern European market. With these additional airplanes we can increase frequencies and add routes to our network, thereby serving our customers better."

The SAS fleet has 88 Boeing 737s. Two new B-737-700s were delivered earlier this year.

"The 737 has undergone continuous improvements to meet evolving market demands," said Marlin Dailey, Boeing vice president of sales for Europe, Russia and central Asia.