Category Archives: Scandinavian Airlines-SAS

2.2 million passengers traveled with SAS during May

2.2 million passengers traveled with SAS in May, an increase by 19 percent compared to the same period last year. SAS’ capacity increased 17 percent and RPK increased by 26 percent, compared to the same period last year. The flown load factor for May was 77 percent, an improvement by almost 6 percentage points compared to May last year.  

Photo: SAS. May 17 was Norway’s national day.

“We are pleased to see that the demand for travel continues to increase. 2.2 million passengers traveled with SAS in May, up 19 percent compared to the same month last year. We have ramped up to meet the increased demand for the summer season, and we look forward to welcoming our passengers on board. Over the past couple of months, Air Traffic Control capacity issues in Copenhagen have caused considerable problems for airlines, airports and, not the least, our passengers. We expect all parties to take their responsibilities and make sure our passengers can travel where they want and when they want this summer. We will seek compensation for the irregularity costs caused by the situation”, says Anko van der Werff, President & CEO of SAS.
 

SAS total traffic (scheduled and charter)May23Change1Nov22- May23Change1
ASK (Mill.)3,77716.9%21,27220.8%
RPK (Mill.)2,91326.3%15,49539.0%
Load factor77.1%5.7 pp72.8%9.5 pp
No. of passengers (000)2,17219.0%12,09336.8%

1 Change compared to same period last year, pp = percentage points

Geographical development, scheduleMay23           vs.          May22Nov22-May23   vs.   Nov21-May22
RPKASKRPKASK
Intercontinental48.5%31.2%70.3%33.5%
Europe/Intrascandinavia20.0%12.3%30.3%18.0%
Domestic5.0%2.9%21.5%11.1%
Preliminary yield and PASKMay23Nominal change1FX adjusted change
Yield, SEK1.08-1.9%-2.8%
PASK, SEK0.836.4%5.4%
May23
Punctuality (arrival 15 min)74.2%
Regularity98.5%
Change in total CO2 emissions 37.3%
Change in CO2 emissions per available seat kilometer, 2.8%
Carbon offsetting of passenger related emissions39.0%

SAS to open seat reservations for its first-ever commercial electric flight in Sweden, Norway, and Denmark

On June 2, 2023 at 12:00 CET. SAS opens seat reservations for its first-ever commercial electric flight in Sweden, Norway, and Denmark. SAS invites travelers to join in writing this next chapter in aviation history with 30 seats available for reservation on each of the three inaugural flights – which are expected to take place during the course of 2028.  

SAS’ goal is net-zero emissions by 2050. An important part of achieving this goal is to develop and use technological innovations such as electric aircraft on shorter trips.

The ticket price for the inaugural flight will be SEK/NOK/DKK 1946 – a tribute to the year when SAS first started flying. A start-up that also marks the beginning of SAS’ innovative nature, with then-founder Wallenberg stating that “moving from the old to the new is the only tradition worth preserving”. 

SAS returns to Africa by flying to Agadir this upcoming winter

Scandinavian Airlines-SAS Airbus A320-251N WL SE-ROZ (msn 9323) ZRH (Andi Hiltl). Image: 950841.

SAS has made this announcement:

Starting on November 4, 2023, SAS returns to Africa with weekly flights to Agadir, Morocco. SAS will fly to Agadir from both Copenhagen and Stockholm during the winter season until the end of March 2024, offering a convenient timetable with daytime departure and arrival.

Agadir is well known for its long beaches, warm winter weather and beautiful scenery. The area also offers plenty of activities such as golf, great surfing, and a chance to enjoy the exquisite Moroccan cuisine.

SAS will operate the Agadir route using Airbus A320Neo aircraft, the most efficient single-aisle aircraft, with 20% savings on fuel efficiency and emissions, seating up to 180 passengers in 2 classes – SAS Plus and SAS Go. 

Schedule to Agadir from Stockholm and Copenhagen:

Schedule on Saturdays
Flight noDEPSTDARRSTAFLTDEPSTDARRSTA
SK 2503CPH08:35AGA12:20SK 2504AGA13:10CPH18:55
SK 2505ARN08:15AGA13:30SK 2506AGA14:30ARN19:45


New routes and destinations this coming winter*:

From To First flightFrequency 
Bergen Tenerife 8 OCT 23Sundays
Stavanger Tenerife 8 OCT 23Sundays
CopenhagenBangkok30 OCT3 weekly
Bergen Gran Canaria4 NOV 23Saturdays
Stockholm Seville 24 FEB 24Saturdays


* Winter program in full to be released later this month.

Top Copyright Photo: Scandinavian Airlines-SAS Airbus A320-251N WL SE-ROZ (msn 9323) ZRH (Andi Hiltl). Image: 950841.

SAS aircraft photo gallery:

SAS aircraft photo gallery

SAS reports a 22% increase in traffic in April

1.9 million passengers traveled with SAS in April, an increase by 22 percent compared to the same period last year. RPK increased by 28 percent compared to the same period last year, and SAS’ passenger demand continued its positive trend. The flown load factor for April was 76 percent, an improvement by 5 percentage points compared to April last year.  

“SAS continues to see positive demand evolution. In April, 1.9 million passengers traveled with SAS, up 22 percent compared to the same month last year. We continue to ramp up for a busy summer season and have inaugurated two new direct intercontinental routes: From Aalborg to New York and from Gothenburg to New York. We have also announced a new direct route between Copenhagen and Bangkok, which will start this autumn. Thailand and the Scandinavian countries have a long history of friendship and cooperation, and we are very proud to bring back the direct route which our customers clearly asked for ,” says Anko van der Werff, President & CEO of SAS.
 

SAS total traffic (scheduled and charter)Apr23Change1Nov22- Apr23Change1
ASK (Mill.)3,44120.0%17,49521.7%
RPK (Mill.)2,60727.5%12,58242.3%
Load factor75.8%4.5 pp71.9%10.4 pp
No. of passengers (000)1,88922.2%9,92141.5%

1 Change compared to same period last year, pp = percentage points

Geographical development, scheduleApr23           vs.          Apr22Nov22-Apr23   vs.   Nov21-Apr22
RPKASKRPKASK
Intercontinental43.6%26.1%76.6%34.0%
Europe/Intrascandinavia28.0%22.7%33.0%19.3%
Domestic5.9%6.8%25.3%12.8%
Preliminary yield and PASKApr23Nominal change1FX adjusted change
Yield, SEK1.00-2.9%-4.2%
PASK, SEK0.763.4%2.1%
Apr23
Punctuality (arrival 15 min)71.3%
Regularity98.5%
Change in total CO2 emissions 46.7%
Change in CO2 emissions per available seat kilometer, 3.4%
Carbon offsetting of passenger related emissions41.0%

SAS opens a new route to Bangkok from Copenhagen

Scandinavian Airlines-SAS Airbus A350-941 SE-RSA (msn 358) LAX (Michael B. Ing). Image: 960462.

SAS is continuing to strengthen its offer and to accommodate an increased demand for leisure travel, SAS will now open a new route to Bangkok, Thailand. Following this route expansion travelers will be able to fly direct to Bangkok three times weekly with convenient overnight flights in both directions using the Airbus A350-900 aircraft.

First departure is planned from Copenhagen on October 30, 2023.

As part of the Winter 2023/2024 program, SAS will also continue its three-times weekly services to Tokyo Haneda (HND) and Shanghai (PVG).

Schedule:

Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays
Flight no.DepartureSTDArrival STA
SK973CPH23:30BKK17:05 (+1)
Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays
Flight no.DepartureSTDArrivalSTA
SK974BKK23:45CPH06:35 (+1)

Copenhagen-Bangkok will be a winter seasonal route. Note that the route opening is subject to governmental approval.

SAS will operate the Bangkok route with Airbus A350-900 aircraft offering passengers a unique travel experience, this aircraft has a much lower fuel consumption and up to 30 percent lower CO2 emissions than previous comparable aircraft. 

Top Copyright Photo: Scandinavian Airlines-SAS Airbus A350-941 SE-RSA (msn 358) LAX (Michael B. Ing). Image: 960462.

SAS aircraft photo gallery:

SAS aircraft photo gallery

SAS operates its first flights to Newark from Aalborg and Gothenburg

Scandinavian Airlines-SAS Airbus A321-253NX WL SE-DMR (msn 10408) ARN (Stefan Sjogren). Image: 960407.

SAS has expanded its schedule to the New York area and started a direct route to Newark Liberty International Airport in New York from Landvetter Airport. The first flight took place on April 28.

The new route enables residents of Gothenburg to fly directly to New York three times a week with the latest addition to the SAS aircraft fleet – the Airbus A321 Long Range – offering a more comfortable and sustainable way to travel.

The new route is a complement to SAS’s four routes to New York that exist today, and with the new route, SAS will offer a total of five daily departures from Scandinavia to New York.

On April 27, 2023, SAS flew its first direct flight from Aalborg Airport to Newark Liberty Airport in New York. With the new route, citizens in and around Aalborg and the rest of Jutland can fly directly to New York three times a week with SAS’s latest addition to the fleet – the Airbus A321 Long Range.

Top Copyright Photo: Scandinavian Airlines-SAS Airbus A321-253NX WL SE-DMR (msn 10408) ARN (Stefan Sjogren). Image: 960407.

SAS aircraft photo gallery:

SAS aircraft photo library

x

SAS makes it easier to choose biofuel

On April 3, SAS launches two ticket types that include biofuel. These will be available on all SAS domestic, Scandinavian and European flights.   

SAS aims to use fossil-free aviation fuel equivalent of all our domestic flights by 2030, a journey we make together with our passengers. We are, therefore, making it even easier for our travelers to be part of the journey toward more sustainable air travel by launching tickets that include the maximum allowed amount of biofuel. 

Travelers buying Go Smart or Plus Pro tickets will be able to purchase these tickets with approximately 50%* of biofuel included to lower the CO₂ emission of their SAS flight. 

“Our journey toward a more sustainable aviation continues and by increasing the use of bio  fuel we are bridging the gap to zero emission flights. We know it is important for our customers, both leisure and corporate, to actively take part in these efforts and SAS Bio will fill this demand“, says Ann-Sofie Hörlin, Head of Sustainability at SAS. 

*Facts SAS Bio tickets:

Go Smart Bio and Plus Pro Bio includes the cost of approximately 50% biofuel, which is calculated on an average journey, corresponding to approximately 60 minutes on Swedish or Norwegian domestic, 60 minutes within Scandinavia, 35 minutes on Danish domestic or 1hour 30 minutes on European flights.

The amount of biofuel purchased will be used to replace the equivalent amount of fossil fuel in SAS’ operations. 

SAS guarantees that the purchase of biofuel takes place within 12 months.   

SAS makes no profit from the purchase.

Facts about Biofuel

Biofuel is a sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) emitting approximately 80% less climate-impacting CO₂ compared to fossil fuels during its life cycle. At present, according to regulations for commercial aviation, biofuel must be blended with conventional jet fuel with a maximum blend of 50% SAF.

Since 2019, SAS offers biofuel as a travel extra, available on all SK flights.

SAS to add 10 additional European routes this summer

Scandinavian Airlines-SAS Airbus A320-251N WL SE-ROU (msn 9262) SZG (Gunter Mayer). Image: 957907.

Scandinavian Airlines-SAS has announced 10 additional European routes:

To meet increasing demand for travel, SAS adds yet another 10 routes and more frequencies for the upcoming summer and autumn. Starting in June, SAS also resumes traffic to Tokyo. 

With summer just around the corner, SAS continues to ramp up by offering customers an additional 10 European routes as well as adding frequencies to popular Mediterranean destinations such as Alicante, Malaga, Mallorca, Split and Sicily. These additional destinations come on top of 20 new, previously announced routes. 

SAS continues to plan for a busy summer to Italy with up to seven daily flights from Scandinavia to Milan and more flights from Copenhagen to Florence and Naples. SAS is adding more domestic flights from Oslo to Bergen, Stavanger, Trondheim and Ålesund as well as more flights from Copenhagen to Ålesund. More seats and flights are also offered between Stockholm and Helsinki.

Continuing to grow presence in the US, SAS starts operating flights from Gothenburg and Aalborg to Newark, New York with an Airbus A321LR. 

As of June, SAS resumes traffic to Haneda, Tokyo three times a week. Prior to that SAS will operate several flights to Tokyo in April to accommodate for the high demand around Easter. The route will be operated by Airbus A350 aircraft. 

During spring, SAS also adds a third weekly service on Copenhagen-Shanghai. 

SAS’ aircraft fleet includes some of the most environmentally friendly aircraft on the market with significantly lower emissions and less noise than previous-generation aircraft – as demonstrated by both the Airbus A350 and A321LR on long-haul routes, and Airbus A320neo on short-haul where emissions are reduced between 15% and 30%.

New routes added to the summer traffic program:

·     Stockholm-Florence – new twice-weekly service on Fridays and Sundays from mid-August 

·     Stockholm-Larnaca – new weekly service on Saturdays from mid-August 

·     Oslo-Tenerife – new weekly service on Tuesdays from late June to mid-August 

·     Oslo-Hamburg – up to twice-weekly service resumed from Easter

·     Oslo-Berlin – up to five times-weekly service resumed from Easter

·     Oslo-Prague – new twice-weekly service on Thursday and Sundays from end-September

·     Bergen-Palma de Mallorca – new weekly service on Saturdays from mid-June to mid-August 

·     Bergen-Manchester – twice-weekly service resumed on Mondays and Fridays from September

·     Trondheim-Split – new weekly service on Saturdays from end of May to mid-October

·     Oslo-Tallinn – new twice-weekly service on Thursday and Sundays from mid-August

More flights added on multiple routes, such as: 

·     Copenhagen, Oslo and Stockholm to Barcelona, Malaga, and Palma de Mallorca

·     Stockholm to Beirut (subject to regulatory approval) 

·     Copenhagen to Catania and Palermo

·     Oslo to Alicante and Las Palmas

·     Bergen and Stavanger to Alicante

·     Bergen and Stavanger to Split

Top Copyright Photo: Scandinavian Airlines-SAS Airbus A320-251N WL SE-ROU (msn 9262) SZG (Gunter Mayer). Image: 957907.

SAS aircraft photo gallery:

SAS airfcraft photo gallery

SAS enters into sale-leaseback agreements with Aviation Capital Group for ten new Airbus A320neo aircraft

Scandinavian Airlines-SAS Airbus A320-251N WL SE-RUE (msn 10407) ZRH (Rolf Wallner). Image: 959819.

SAS has entered into new sale and leaseback agreements with Aviation Capital Group (ACG).

Through the new agreements, SAS has secured long-term financing for ten new Airbus A320neo aircraft, scheduled to be delivered through the first quarter of FY2024.

“We continue to make progress with our transformation plan and these new sale and leaseback agreements are an important part of that – securing competitive financing for our renewed fleet of modern and fuel-efficient aircraft. We are pleased to renew our long-term strategic partnership with ACG, one of the world’s leading aircraft financing partners,” said Anko van der Werff, President and CEO, SAS.

Top Copyright Photo: Scandinavian Airlines-SAS Airbus A320-251N WL SE-RUE (msn 10407) ZRH (Rolf Wallner). Image: 959819.

SAS aircraft photo gallery:

SAS aircraft photo gallery

SAS inaugurates the Copenhagen – New York JFK route

Scandinavian Airlines-SAS Airbus A321-253NX WL SE-DMO (msn 9541) IAD (Brian McDonough). Image: 956922.

On February 9, 2023 SAS launched its new route between Copenhagen Airport and John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York.

The new route enables SAS customers to travel easily to and from both the West and East side of New York as SAS continues to offer departures from Scandinavia to Newark.

The inaugural flight takes place with SAS’s latest addition to their fleet – the Airbus A321 Long Range which offers a more comfortable and sustainable way of traveling.

JFK service begins with five weekly flights from Copenhagen, ramping up with daily flights for the summer schedule. SAS operates into terminal 7 at JFK.

US destinations continue to generate demand for more and frequent departures. SAS will offer about 130 departures per week on a total of 12 routes this winter.

Schedules to and from JFK:
Winter 2022
Monday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday
CPH-JFK: 18:25 – 21:30
JFK-CPH: 23:00 – 12:55

Summer 2023
Daily
CPH-JFK: 19:20 – 22:00
JFK-CPH: 23:55 – 13:45

Facts about Airbus A321 Long Range (A321LR)

The Airbus A321 Long Range is part of the latest generation of aircraft and is expected to reduce climate-impacting emissions by 15-18 percent compared to similar previous-generation aircraft. This latest addition to the fleet means travelers get access to more intercontinental routes with fewer stopovers, and shorter travel times to and from Scandinavia. 

The aircraft has 22 Business, 12 Plus and 123 Go seats, meaning a total of 157 seats in a single aisle aircraft. The seats are especially chosen for the A321LR to optimize the comfort in all three travel classes. Seats in SAS Business are fully flat seat beds and there are different mood light scenarios in the cabins, as well as hi-speed WiFi. Every seat is equipped with IFE screens, PC power and/or hi-power USB. The reduced noise level inside the cabin will further enhance the travel experience on board. The A321LR is part of SAS’ ongoing fleet renewal and will reduce climate-impacting emissions compared to previous generations of similar aircraft.

Top Copyright Photo: Scandinavian Airlines-SAS Airbus A321-253NX WL SE-DMO (msn 9541) IAD (Brian McDonough). Image: 956922.

SAS aircraft photo gallery: