SAS studying Airbus A321LR

SAS is studying whether it should exchange a part of its large order for 50 A320NEOs to the larger A321NEO LR version to further expand its medium haul network. A total of 65 units have been ordered out of which 15 are obtained from lessor companies.

Source: https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/sas-studying-whether-a321lr-fits-within-network-451576/ 

Comments:

SK needs to definitely convert 8 A320Neos to the A321Neo version to replace its current 8 A321s which currently seat 200 pax in an all economy class layout. 

The normal A321NEO-LR realistically can fly 5300 km nonstop from CPH with a full payload which rules out destinations such as YUL and BOS to be operated on a year round basis. However, cities such as DXB, Erbil, Baghdad and Tehran can be flown with this aircraft type in a traditional 2 class layout. The only way SK can operate these planes trans-atlantic is if goes in for a premium configuration of 16J + 149Y approximately otherwise it is of no use. 

On top of the 8 normal A321s it needs to replace, SK should top up the order by adding 7 more A321Neos to upgrade A320 operated flights to slot restricted airports in EU where P2P demand is very high along with transit flow traffic. These include LHR, FRA, MAD, CDG, ZRH, MUC, AMS and BCN to name a few. This shall enable a better utilization of seats per slot ratio for the airline to take advantage of.