Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) has made a significant return to the Canadian market, reintroducing direct service between Copenhagen and Toronto and, for the first time, launching nonstop flights from Stockholm to Toronto. This strategic expansion is powered by SAS’s state-of-the-art Airbus A321LR aircraft, renowned for its efficiency and extended range.
Our editorial team was invited to experience these inaugural journeys firsthand, offering a rare look at transatlantic travel aboard SAS’s next-generation narrow-body jets.
“Reconnecting Scandinavia with Canada is a milestone for SAS, made possible by the advanced capabilities of our Airbus A321LR fleet. The fuel savings and flexibility of this aircraft enable us to respond nimbly to shifting travel trends and further expand our global reach,” shared Anko Van der Werff, CEO of SAS.
Currently, SAS operates three A321LRs—part of the eco-conscious Airbus A320neo family—featuring next-gen engines and aerodynamic sharklets to minimize emissions. These aircraft have quickly become core assets for SAS’s transatlantic operations, previously serving key U.S. gateways including New York, Washington, and Boston. The new Toronto routes mark SAS’s latest step in broadening its North American footprint, with additional destinations under consideration for future expansion.
The A321LR is a long-range evolution of the popular A321, tailored to meet the demand for smaller aircraft capable of crossing the Atlantic profitably—an innovation airlines have eagerly awaited. Since its introduction, carriers worldwide have adopted the A321LR to launch exclusive, point-to-point routes previously unviable for larger jets.
Launch Strategy: Two New Scandinavian Gateways to Toronto on the Same Day
Launching new long-haul routes always involves calculated risk, but SAS has optimized its schedule by alternating aircraft rotations: each A321LR departs from either Copenhagen or Stockholm to Toronto and returns to the opposite Scandinavian capital. This innovative routing allowed both new services to debut simultaneously. Official block times are 8 hours 55 minutes from Copenhagen to Toronto and 8 hours 10 minutes from Toronto to Stockholm, though our recent flights consistently arrived 30–45 minutes ahead of schedule.
SAS now joins its Star Alliance partner Air Canada on the Copenhagen–Toronto route, while remaining the sole operator offering direct Stockholm–Toronto service.
The inaugural Copenhagen–Toronto flight was commanded by Captain Karl Wilhelmson, SAS Fleet Chief Pilot for Airbus, alongside First Officer Jakob Scheer. During a mid-Atlantic cockpit visit, Captain Wilhelmson noted that while the A321LR is more compact, it maintains nearly the same cruising speed as widebody jets like the A330, with only a marginal difference in flight duration.
“The A321LR is a testament to aerospace innovation, empowering us to serve new long-haul markets with remarkable efficiency and passenger comfort. I am immensely proud of our team’s seamless integration of this aircraft into SAS’s operations,” Captain Wilhelmson remarked.
He further addressed a common misconception: despite its size, the A321LR typically cruises at the same altitude as larger aircraft, ensuring a stable, smooth ride. Our experience mirrored this, with the inaugural flight maintaining 36,000 feet for most of the journey and delivering a turbulence-free experience.
Two new routes opened on the same day with the same aircraft
Though narrow-body aircraft typically offer less space than their widebody counterparts, SAS’s design philosophy ensures the A321LR delivers a cohesive, premium experience across all three cabin classes. The smaller, more intimate layout of the A321LR—particularly in SAS Plus and SAS Business—creates an atmosphere reminiscent of a private jet, offering an elevated sense of exclusivity for discerning travelers. The aircraft is configured with 22 Business Class seats, 12 SAS Plus seats, and 123 SAS Go (Economy) seats, for a total of just 157 guests onboard.
Stepping into the cabin, frequent SAS long-haul passengers will recognize the signature Scandinavian aesthetic: sleek gray seating accented with deep charcoal and silver details. While the design language echoes that of the A330 and A350 fleets, thoughtful differences ensure the A321LR stands out, providing a refined yet cozy environment for transatlantic journeys.
Small is exclusive
Unlike SAS’s widebody aircraft, where Business Class seats are largely uniform, the A321LR introduces a staggered seating layout that brings notable variation. Even-numbered rows feature a 2-2 arrangement, ideal for couples or colleagues traveling together. In contrast, odd-numbered rows offer 1-1 “throne” seats—coveted by solo travelers for their enhanced privacy and ample storage.
While the throne seats provide superior seclusion, they can feel slightly restrictive in bed mode. We recommend reviewing the seat map in advance to secure a spot that best matches your travel preferences.
Onboard service in SAS Business mirrors the high standards found on the airline’s larger jets, with the primary difference being the absence of an espresso machine due to space constraints on the A321LR.
During our Toronto departure, the culinary presentation was outstanding; several guests remarked that the dishes surpassed their previous in-flight dining experiences.
As of mid-2025, SAS has fully restored its pre-pandemic inflight dining, although meal trays remain in use on the A321LR. This is a pragmatic adaptation to the cabin layout, which limits direct aisle access for all seats, making traditional trayless service impractical on this aircraft.
In Business Class, all seats are not created equal
For travelers seeking exceptional value and comfort, SAS Plus on the A321LR stands out as a highlight. The compact 12-seat cabin, arranged in a 2-2 layout, evokes the ambiance of U.S. domestic First Class. Passengers enjoy high-definition personal screens, a generous 7-inch recline, a wide center armrest, and an upgraded legrest with integrated foot support. Notably, the seats are broader than those on SAS’s A330 and A350, and the intimate setting ensures a calm, exclusive atmosphere.
SAS Plus guests benefit from an all-inclusive food and beverage selection, with two main course choices—one mirroring the Economy Class menu, and the other typically featuring a Nordic-inspired seafood option. Complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi is also provided throughout the journey, mirroring the perks available in SAS Business.
SAS Plus comes with a nice surprise
SAS is known for its Scandinavian service ethos, though the consistency can occasionally vary. On our flights inaugurating the Toronto routes, the Danish and Swedish cabin teams delivered exemplary hospitality—combining attentive service, product expertise, and a warm, personable approach. These journeys truly showcased SAS’s ability to provide a world-class premium experience when the crew is at its best.
Stay tuned for our exclusive interview with CEO Anko Van der Werff, who discusses the evolving landscape of luxury air travel, SAS’s fleet strategy, and the pivotal role of the A321LR in the airline’s future vision.
All images © Businessclass
