Scandinavian Airlines facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Scandinavian Airlines System

Founded	1 August 1946; 78 years ago (1946-08-01)
Commenced operations	17 September 1946; 78 years ago (1946-09-17)
AOC #	SCA.AOC.001E
Hubs	Copenhagen Oslo Stockholm–Arlanda
Focus cities	Bergen Gothenburg Stavanger Tromsø Trondheim
Frequent-flyer program	EuroBonus
Alliance	Star Alliance (until 31 August 2024) SkyTeam (after 1 September 2024)
Subsidiaries	SAS Connect SAS Link
Fleet size	68 (excluding aircraft under wet-lease agreements and subsidiaries)
Destinations	125 (incl. subsidiaries)
Parent company	Air France–KLM (20%) SAS Group
Headquarters	SAS Frösundavik Office Building Solna, Stockholm, Sweden
Key people	Carsten Dilling (Chairman) Anko van der Werff (CEO)
Revenue	SEK 46,736 million

Scandinavian Airlines, often called SAS, is a major airline for Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. SAS is short for "Scandinavian Airlines System." It is part of the SAS Group and has its main office in Solna, Sweden.

As of December 2019, the airline flies about 180 airplanes to 90 places. Its main airport hub is Copenhagen-Kastrup Airport. From there, it connects to 109 cities worldwide. Stockholm Arlanda Airport and Oslo Airport, Gardermoen are also big hubs for SAS. Smaller hubs include Bergen Airport, Flesland, Göteborg Landvetter Airport, Stavanger Airport, and Trondheim Airport. SAS also has a cargo company called SAS Cargo, based at Copenhagen Airport.

In 2017, SAS flew 28.6 million passengers. This made it one of the largest airlines in Europe. The SAS fleet includes many Airbus planes like the A320, A330, and A350. They also use some Embraer planes. SAS sometimes rents planes from other companies too.

The airline started in 1946. It was a partnership between airlines from Sweden, Norway, and Denmark. They joined forces to fly across the Atlantic Ocean. Later, in 1951, all these airlines officially became one company: SAS. In 1997, SAS helped start Star Alliance. This was one of the first big groups of airlines working together. In 2023, SAS announced it would join SkyTeam instead, starting in September 2024.

History of SAS Airlines

How SAS Was Started

SAS began on August 1, 1946. It was a team-up between three airlines: one from Sweden, one from Denmark, and one from Norway. They wanted to combine their long-distance flights. The first president of SAS was Per Norlin.

On September 17, 1946, SAS started flying. Their first international flight went from Stockholm to New York. They even set a record by shipping a very heavy electrical panel across the Atlantic.

In 1948, another Swedish airline joined SAS. By 1951, all the companies officially became the SAS Consortium. The airline was owned by Denmark (28.6%), Norway (28.6%), and Sweden (42.8%). Each country's share was split between private investors and their government.

Flying Over the North Pole

In 1954, SAS made history. It was the first airline to have regular flights over the North Pole. They flew Douglas DC-6B planes from Copenhagen to Los Angeles. These flights stopped in Greenland and Canada. Many Hollywood stars used this route, which made SAS famous.

In 1957, SAS offered the first round-the-world service over the North Pole. This flight went from Copenhagen to Tokyo, stopping in Alaska. This was because planes could not fly over Russia or China at that time.

The Jet Age Begins

In 1959, SAS started using jet planes. Their first jetliner was the Sud Aviation Caravelle. The next year, they added the Douglas DC-8 to their fleet.

SAS also used new ways to make flying better. In 1965, they were the first airline to use an electronic booking system. In 1971, SAS started flying the huge Boeing 747 jumbo jet. They also worked with other airlines like KLM and Swissair to share maintenance for these big planes. By 1982, SAS was known as the most on-time airline in Europe.

SAS also built hotels in Copenhagen, like the SAS Royal Hotel. They even owned part of the Intercontinental Hotels Group. But later, SAS sold its hotel chain in 1992 to focus on flying.

Growing and Partnering Up

In 1981, Jan Carlzon became the CEO of SAS. He helped the company become more successful. SAS started to buy or partner with other airlines in Scandinavia. This included airlines in Norway, Sweden, and Denmark.

In the 1990s, SAS bought shares in British Midland and most of Spanair, a Spanish airline. They also bought Air Greenland. In May 1997, SAS became a founding member of Star Alliance. This is a big group of airlines that work together. Other founding members included Air Canada and Lufthansa.

In 2001, the ownership of SAS changed. The governments of Sweden, Norway, and Denmark owned smaller shares. The rest of the shares were sold to the public. In 2009, the different parts of SAS were brought back together into one company.

Changes and New Plans (2009-2024)

Around 2009, many budget airlines started flying. This made it harder for SAS to make money. SAS began to sell its shares in other companies, like Spanair. They also worked to cut costs.

In 2012, SAS had to make more big changes. They talked with their employee unions for a long time. They agreed to work more hours and take a pay cut. These changes helped the airline keep flying.

In 2017, SAS started a new airline called Scandinavian Airlines Ireland. This airline flies European routes using different planes and crews. This helps SAS compete better with other airlines.

In 2018, SAS ordered 50 new Airbus A320neo jets. They want to have only Airbus planes in their fleet. The Norwegian government also sold its shares in SAS that year. SAS also started using sustainable aviation fuel for some flights to help the environment.

In 2021, the European Commission approved financial help for SAS from Sweden and Denmark. SAS also announced two new airline companies: SAS Connect and SAS Link.

In 2022, the Swedish government said it would not put more money into SAS. SAS then filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the United States. This helps companies reorganize their money problems. SAS also returned some planes because flights to Asia were less popular.

In October 2023, Air France–KLM announced they would invest in SAS. This means SAS will leave Star Alliance on August 31, 2024. The very next day, September 1, 2024, SAS will join SkyTeam. In March 2024, a US court approved SAS's plan to reorganize.

SAS Headquarters

The current main office, the SAS Frösundavik Office Building in 2007

The main office for Scandinavian Airlines is in the SAS Frösundavik Office Building. This building is in Solna Municipality, Sweden, close to Stockholm.

The SAS Frösundavik Office Building was designed by Niels Torp Architects. It was built between 1985 and 1987. SAS moved its main office to Stockholm Arlanda Airport for a few years. But in 2013, SAS moved back to the Frösundavik building.

Where SAS Flies

SAS works with many other airlines to offer more flights. This is called a codeshare agreement. It means you can book a flight with SAS, but part of your trip might be on another airline's plane.

• Aegean Airlines
• Air Canada
• Air China
• airBaltic
• All Nippon Airways
• Asiana Airlines
• Austrian Airlines
• Croatia Airlines
• Egyptair
• El Al
• Ethiopian Airlines
• Etihad Airways
• Icelandair
• LOT Polish Airlines
• Lufthansa
• Luxair
• Singapore Airlines
• South African Airways
• Swiss International Air Lines
• Thai Airways International
• Turkish Airlines (ends 1 September 2024)
• United Airlines
• Widerøe

SAS also has "interlining agreements" with these airlines:

• Air Greenland
• Pakistan International Airlines

SAS Airplanes

Current Fleet

As of April 2024, Scandinavian Airlines uses only Airbus planes for its passenger flights.

SAS also has one Boeing 737-700. It is used for medical flights for the Norwegian Armed Forces.

As of December 2023, SAS also uses planes from other companies. These planes are operated by SAS's own smaller airlines or other carriers.

Future Plans for Airplanes

Short Flights

A SAS Airbus A320neo in the airline's current colors.

In 2011, SAS ordered 30 new A320neo planes. Their goal was to have only Airbus planes at their Stockholm and Copenhagen bases by 2019. The first A320neo was delivered in October 2016.

In 2018, SAS ordered 50 more A320neos. This was to replace all their older Boeing 737s and A320s. SAS wants to have only Airbus planes by 2023. The last Boeing 737 left the fleet in November 2023.

Long Flights

In 2013, SAS planned to buy twelve new long-distance planes. These included eight A350-900s and four A330-300Es. The A330-300E planes were meant to replace older A340-300s. Instead, SAS kept the older planes and used the new A330-300Es to add more long-distance flights.

The first six of eight Airbus A350-900s were delivered in 2019. These planes started flying long-haul routes in 2020. The A350s will fly to cities like Chicago, Beijing, New York, and Tokyo. In 2023, SAS decided to have a total of three A350 planes.

Airplane Colors and Design

OY-KBO, named Christian Valdemar Viking, wearing a special old-style paint design.

In September 2019, SAS showed off a brand new design for its planes. This new look will be on new A350 and A320neo planes first. Then, it will slowly be painted on all planes by 2024.

The main part of the plane is a light beige color. The "SAS" logo is big and silver near the front. The tail of the plane and nearby parts are blue. The white SAS logo is on the tail. The word "Scandinavian" is also written in large blue letters on the bottom of the plane. The engine covers are beige with a blue stripe and the word "Scandinavian" in blue.

The previous design was from 1998. Those planes were mostly white, but actually a very light beige. "Scandinavian" was written in silver above the windows. The tail was blue with the classic white SAS logo. The engines were red with "Scandinavian" in white. All SAS planes are named, usually after Vikings.

SAS also has one Airbus A319-100 with an old-style, "retro" paint design.

Inside the Plane

A Scandinavian Airlines flight attendant serving passengers in the 1960s

SAS offers different seating options on its flights.

SAS Business

On long-distance flights, SAS offers SAS Business class. These seats are wide and turn into flat beds. On the A330s and A350s, the seats are arranged 1-2-1. They become beds that are about 196-202 cm long. They also have power outlets and a 15-inch entertainment screen. On the A321LRs, business class seats also turn into flat beds.

SAS Plus

SAS Plus is SAS's premium economy class. On A330s, seats are 2-3-2. On A350s, they are 2-4-2. On the A321LR, they are 2-2. These seats are wider than those in SAS Go.

On flights within Europe, SAS Plus tickets can be refunded. They also include a meal, extra baggage, and access to airport lounges. SAS Plus passengers sit at the front of the plane. They can choose their seat for free when booking.

SAS Go

SAS Go is the economy class. On flights within Europe, seats are 3-3. On A330s, they are 2-4-2. On A350s, they are 3-3-3.

SAS offers free coffee and tea to SAS Go passengers on most short flights. Meals are served to all passengers on long-distance flights.

SAS Go Light

SAS Go Light is a type of SAS Go ticket. It does not include checked luggage. These tickets are for people who travel with only a carry-on bag. SAS Go Light helps SAS compete with airlines that offer very cheap tickets.

Other Services

EuroBonus Program

SAS has a program for frequent flyers called EuroBonus. Members earn points when they fly with SAS or other partner airlines. About half of SAS's money comes from EuroBonus members. By 2015, over four million people were EuroBonus members.

Wi‑Fi on Flights

In May 2018, SAS started offering new high-speed Wi‑Fi on its planes. This service is being added to both short and medium-distance planes. It is much faster than before, so passengers can even stream movies. Before this, Wi-Fi was only on long-haul planes. Wi‑Fi is free for EuroBonus Gold and Diamond members. It is also free for those with a Business class ticket. Others can buy Wi-Fi access or use EuroBonus points.

Awards SAS Has Won

• 2010:
  • Flightstats: World's Most Punctual Airline
• 2011:
  • Grand Travel Award: Europe's Best Airline
• 2013:
  • Freddie Awards: Best Customer Service in Europe/Africa
  • Sustainable Brand Index: Most Sustainable Airline
• 2014:
  • Grand Travel Award: Europe's Best Airline
• 2015:
  • Grand Travel Award: Europe's Best Airline

Images for kids

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  The airline's original emblem, showing each Scandinavian flag.

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  A privately kept Douglas DC-3 with SAS's old markings from the late 1940s.

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  Radisson Blu Royal Hotel in central Copenhagen, originally SAS Royal Hotel, built in 1960.

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  The company logo in the 1980s had stripes in the colors of the flags of Denmark, Norway, and Sweden.

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  A Boeing 767-300ER at Kangerlussuaq Airport in 2001. SAS flew to Greenland for over 50 years.