Nordic charter carrier Sunclass Airlines will modernize its fleet by taking delivery of an Airbus A330neo in 2022. The Denmark-based operator flies to various leisure destinations, and already operates older versions of the widebody on its longer routes. The A330neo will reportedly have different seating configurations from season to season.

Joining the fleet next year

Passengers flying with Sunclass Airlines to long-haul leisure destinations in the winter 2022/23 season may get the chance to sample the new Airbus A330neo. This comes after its owner, Ving, announced that an Airbus A330neo will be joining the fleet towards the end of next year. The aircraft will be an A330-900, which is the larger of the two A330neo variants.

Compared to Sunclass Airlines' first-generation A330s, Ving reports that the new aircraft will offer a 33% reduction in noise levels. Furthermore, its cabin will be fitted with "new ergonomic seats," as well as amenities like larger screens and mood lighting. Torben Østergaard, CEO of Sunclass Airlines, also emphasized the A330neo's sustainability, stating:

"The expansion and upgrade of our fleet is a direct extension of the Nordic strategy for Sunclass Airlines, Ving, and its sister companies in the Nordic region. We work together as a Nordic unit to create growth in the form of new destinations, increase comfort even more for our guests, and ensure that we emit the least possible CO2 per passenger."

Airbus A330-900 Info
The A330neo is better for both airlines and their passengers, as well as the planet. Image: Airbus

Different layouts in different seasons

Sunclass Airlines is reportedly planning to configure its A330neo with different layouts depending on the time of year. This boils down to the destinations that it will serve during specific seasons. The carrier will initially roll the type out on long-haul routes to winter sun destinations, primarily in the Caribbean. Thailand and Vietnam will also feature.

When operating these routes, Flygtorget reports that the A330neo will have a two-class configuration. This will consist of 84 premium economy and 289 economy seats. However, in the summer, it will serve Mediterranean destinations with a one-class 385-seat setup. Ving's Communications Manager, Claes Pellvik, is relishing its introduction, stating:

"With the new aircraft, we will be able to offer our passengers an even better flying experience, but, above all, we [will] take an important step in our sustainability work that we will have reason to return to shortly. (...) The Caribbean destinations are very popular and in demand, so [the fact] that we can once again look to the west feels very fun."

Thomas Cook Scandinavia Airbus A330
Sunclass previously operated under the Thomas Cook Scandinavia brand. Photo: Riik@mctr via Flickr

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Sunclass Airlines' existing A330s

Sunclass Airlines, which used to be known as Thomas Cook Scandinavia before a brand change in 2019, already flies first-generation Airbus A330s. According to data from ch-aviation.com, the carrier has one example of both the A330-200 and the A330-300 in its fleet.

The former of these, OY-VKF, is 22 years old, and seats 322 passengers in a two-class configuration. Meanwhile, the larger A330-300, OY-VKI, is slightly younger, at 21.3 years old. It can accommodate 388 passengers, and also has a two-class layout.

What do you make of Sunclass Airlines' plans to fly the Airbus A330neo? Have you ever traveled with the Nordic charter carrier? Let us know your thoughts and experiences in the comments!