SAS has named its latest Airbus A350-900 aircraft Frederik the Viking – in honour of Denmark's King Frederik X. The ceremony was held at Copenhagen Airport as part of the airline's 80th anniversary.
King Frederik X himself attended the naming ceremony on May 18th before the aircraft set course for Seoul in South Korea later that evening on its first regular flight.
– It is a great honour to name this aircraft after His Majesty the King and to pay tribute to Denmark in this way, says SAS President and CEO Anko van der Werff.
SAS has a long-standing tradition of naming its aircraft after figures from Nordic Viking history, symbolising Scandinavia’s shared heritage and spirit of exploration.
The Airbus A350 is the flagship of SAS's long-haul fleet and is used on intercontinental routes between Copenhagen and destinations in North America and Asia. The aircraft is also an important part of SAS's fleet modernisation, focusing on lower emissions and improved energy efficiency.
According to SAS, the A350 offers significantly lower fuel consumption and reduced carbon dioxide emissions compared to older generation long-haul aircraft. The model is also certified for the use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).
SAS also highlights improved onboard comfort, with a quieter cabin, better air quality, and a more modern long-haul experience for passengers.
The airline was founded in 1946 and in 2026 will celebrate its 80th anniversary as Scandinavia's international airline.
