1st ERJ195 for SAS spotted

SAS is in the process of establishing two new subsidiaries. The first is to be called SAS Connect and is the new name for SAS Ireland, which currently operates nine A320neos and has its headquarters at Dublin. The second subsidiary is SAS Link, which will operate six leased ERJ195s. The first of these have now been spotted at Norwich where it was painted in the SAS-livery. The aircraft in question is SE-RSK (19000120), which was formerly operated by flybe as G-FBEG.

According to the CEO of the airline, SAS Connect and SAS Link will operate similary as Hop! to Air France or Iberia Express to Iberia and customers will not notice the difference as flights will be operated under SAS-flightnumbers and can only be booked with SAS.

The addition of the ERJ195 is a new venture for the airline, which is considering placing an order for new regional jets but first wants to gain experience in operating these type of aircraft. Under consideration are new Embraers E2s as well as Airbus A220s, despite the leasing of ERJ195s.

Although adding ERJ195s to its own operations, SAS will continue to utilise (smaller) wet-lease aircraft as well. Currently, SAS has lease-deals in place with CityJet (for operating twelve CRJ900s) and XFly (for six ATR72s and five CRJ900s).

Photo by Richard E. Flagg.