Scandinavian carrier SAS has taken delivery of its first A350-900, becoming the newest operator of this latest generation wide-body aircraft.

The airline operates an Airbus (www.airbus.com) fleet of 68 aircraft and has a total of eight A350-900 aircraft on order.

In the coming years, as part of an extensive fleet modernisation, it will take delivery of 54 additional A320neo Family aircraft and the remaining seven A350-900s (through direct purchase and lease contracts).

On 28 January, the airline will start to operate the new aircraft on its Copenhagen-Chicago long-haul route, followed by other international destinations (including North America and Asia).

The A350 XWB features the latest aero-dynamic design, a carbon-fibre fuselage and wings, plus new fuel-efficient Rolls-Royce engines.

Together, these technologies provide a 25% reduction in fuel burn and emissions. By the end of October, the A350 XWB Family had received 913 firm orders from 50 customers world-wide.

Meanwhile, the first two of 20 Airbus Helicopters’ H145M military helicopters have been delivered to the Hungarian Defence Forces.

These aircraft are equipped with a fast roping system, high-performance camera, dual cargo hook, hoist, disaster management kit and ballistic protection — plus an electronic countermeasures system to support the most demanding operational requirements.

Hungary has also ordered 16 H225M multi-purpose helicopters.

The H145M/H225M ‘tandem’ will enable the Hungarian Defence Forces to cover missions from light utility, tactical transport, combat search and rescue up to light attack.