Summary
Scandinavian Airlines, better known simply as SAS, is the flag carrier of Denmark, Norway and Sweden. Founded shortly after the Second World War, it has grown into one of Europe’s longest-established airlines and remains one of the most recognisable carriers in Northern Europe.
Following a major restructuring in the mid-2020s, SAS entered a new chapter in its history by joining the SkyTeam alliance and strengthening ties with Air France-KLM. Today the airline operates an almost all-Airbus jet fleet alongside regional turboprops, connecting Scandinavia with destinations across Europe, North America and Asia.
Brief History of Scandinavian Airlines
A historic photo of Bromma Airport. Credit SAS Museet.
Scandinavian Airlines System (SAS) was officially founded on 1 August 1946, when the national airlines of Denmark, Norway and Sweden combined their international operations into a single airline. The partnership allowed the three countries to compete more effectively on long-haul routes in the post-war era.
During the 1950s and 1960s SAS became one of Europe’s most innovative airlines. It pioneered transpolar flights between Europe and North America via Greenland, helping reduce journey times, and later became one of the launch customers for the Douglas DC-8.
The airline has operated many classic aircraft over the decades, including the Douglas DC-6, DC-7, DC-8, Caravelle, Douglas DC-9, Boeing 747, Boeing 767, McDonnell Douglas MD-80 and Boeing 737 Classic and Next Generation families. In more recent years SAS has become an almost entirely Airbus operator.
Like many airlines, SAS faced severe financial difficulties during the COVID-19 pandemic. After entering Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the United States in 2022, the airline completed a major restructuring in 2024. This brought new investment from Air France-KLM, Castlelake, Lind Invest and the Danish government, while also ending SAS’ long membership of Star Alliance.
On 1 September 2024, SAS officially joined SkyTeam, marking one of the biggest alliance changes in recent aviation history.
Current Bases and Operations
Photo (c) SAS AB
SAS operates from three primary Scandinavian hubs:
- Copenhagen (CPH)
- Stockholm Arlanda (ARN)
- Oslo Gardermoen (OSL)
Among these, Copenhagen has become the airline’s principal international hub and continues to receive significant investment as SAS expands its long-haul network.
The airline serves well over 100 destinations throughout Europe, together with intercontinental services to North America and Asia. Regional services are also operated through partner airlines and wet-leased aircraft, particularly within Sweden and Norway.
Important and Notable Routes
SAS has always been strongest on routes linking Scandinavia with the rest of Europe, but several long-haul services have become particularly significant.
Among its busiest and best-known intercontinental routes are:
- Copenhagen – New York (JFK)
- Copenhagen – Chicago O’Hare
- Copenhagen – San Francisco
- Copenhagen – Seattle
- Copenhagen – Boston
- Oslo – New York
- Stockholm – Newark
The airline also operates services to destinations including Tokyo and Shanghai, while Copenhagen remains the centre of almost all long-haul operations.
Historically, SAS became famous for pioneering transpolar services over Greenland, establishing one of the fastest links between Europe and North America during the early jet age.
Fleet Overview
SAS A319 OY-KBT
SAS has modernised its fleet considerably over the past decade and today operates one of Europe’s youngest Airbus fleets.
Current Fleet
(Last Update: July 2026)
| Aircraft Type | In Service |
|---|---|
| Airbus A319-100 | 4 |
| Airbus A320neo | 66 |
| Airbus A321LR | 3 |
| Airbus A330-300 | 8 |
| Airbus A350-900 | 4 |
| ATR 72-600 | 6 |
Regional services are also operated by partner airlines using ATR 72s, CRJ900s and Embraer E195 aircraft under the SAS brand.
Aircraft on Order
- 18 × Airbus A330-900neo (firm order)
- Additional long-haul aircraft remain under consideration as part of SAS’ fleet renewal programme.
Airline Livery
SAS introduced its current corporate identity in 2019, replacing the classic dark blue cheatline that had been a familiar sight for decades.
The new livery features a pale silver-grey fuselage with large dark blue SAS titles across the forward fuselage. The tail remains deep blue but now carries a simplified white SAS logo, while the engines are painted in matching blue. The overall design gives the airline a clean, modern Scandinavian appearance.
However, enthusiasts should note that not every aircraft has yet been repainted. Several Airbus A320neo family aircraft continue to fly in the previous livery, making it possible to see both generations of SAS branding in service today.
Special Liveries
Unlike many airlines, SAS has generally preferred a consistent fleet appearance, although a handful of aircraft have carried promotional designs over the years.
Occasionally, alliance branding and promotional decals also appear on individual aircraft. For example, this year Airbus A330 LN-RKR is wearing this special scheme marking the airline’s 80th anniversary.
Airbus A319 OY-KBO is also in a special retro livery.
Have you ever flown SAS? What do you think of the airline and its livery? Leave a comment below!
