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SAS celebrates seven decades of pioneering polar air routes

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SAS celebrates seven decades of pioneering polar air routes
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Simple Flying | Simple Flying

Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) is celebrating 70 years since it first flew over the North Pole, marking a significant milestone in aviation history. On November 15, 1954, SAS became the first airline to operate a commercial flight over the North Pole, establishing a direct route from Copenhagen to Los Angeles. This achievement created "the most efficient link between Europe and the USA," according to SAS.

To commemorate this historic event, SAS offered passengers on its Copenhagen–Los Angeles flight special touches reminiscent of the original journey. The airline states that flying over the North Pole reduced travel distance by "thousands of kilometers," resulting in significant fuel savings. "By operating flights over the Polar Regions, SAS transformed how North America connects to Scandinavia, to Europe, and beyond," says SAS.

SAS President and CEO Anko van der Werff highlights the importance of this route: “SAS’s introduction of the Polar Route marked a landmark moment in global travel, enhancing economic ties, tourism, and cultural exchange by making the world more accessible."

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The development of this route required four years of planning and problem-solving due to safety concerns about forced landings in Arctic conditions. Passengers were once provided with snowsuits and survival manuals for these flights.

In 1957, SAS expanded its polar routes by launching flights from Copenhagen to Tokyo via Anchorage using Douglas DC-7C aircraft. These services have continued into modern times with Airbus A350s now serving routes like Copenhagen to Los Angeles.

Today, Scandinavian Airlines operates around 133 aircraft across more than 125 destinations worldwide. It remains committed to sustainability goals through investments in fuel-efficient technology and sustainable aviation fuels.

"SAS is Scandinavia’s leading airline," notes an official statement from SAS. The airline's main hubs are located at Copenhagen Airport, Oslo Gardermoen Airport, and Stockholm Arlanda Airport.

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