SAS CEO Anko van der Werff stated at the inaugural flight event: “This is an exciting day for SAS and our passengers. With our inaugural flight to Seoul, we are not only responding to strong customer demand but also strengthening the ties between Scandinavia and one of Asia’s most vibrant hubs. Seoul is a global center of culture, innovation, and business, and we are proud to add it to our growing intercontinental network.”
Following strong bookings on this route, SAS plans to increase frequency during summer months up to six times weekly.
The launch comes after significant changes for SAS over the past year. After restructuring over $2 billion in debt under Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings—resulting in delisting its stock and downsizing its fleet—SAS received investments totaling $1.2 billion from Air France-KLM (which took a 19.9% stake), Castlelake, and Lind Invest. The airline left Star Alliance on August 31, 2024, joining SkyTeam immediately afterward.
As part of integrating with SkyTeam partners, SAS has developed or expanded codeshare agreements with several airlines:
- With Air France-KLM: Codeshares across networks have been established; further applications cover additional U.S. destinations.
- Delta Air Lines: Enhanced codeshare agreements were signed last September alongside new flights linking Copenhagen with Atlanta and Seattle.
- IndiGo: Codeshare talks continue as both airlines look for greater connectivity between India and Scandinavia.
- Virgin Atlantic: Agreements allow joint transatlantic services from London Heathrow/Manchester into Scandinavia.
- WestJet: Following Delta's involvement with WestJet earlier this year, interline arrangements now include SAS.
Although a founding member of Star Alliance, SAS did not join that group’s Transatlantic Joint Venture (JV). Its move into SkyTeam may lead toward participation in SkyTeam’s own JV with Air France-KLM, Delta Air Lines, and Virgin Atlantic.
Currently operating four A350s alongside eight older A330-300s for long-haul services mainly to Asia and North America, SAS expects delivery of two additional A350-900s next year. The carrier must decide whether future fleet growth will focus on more A350s—potentially sourced through Air France—or possibly include newer versions of Airbus A330s or expand use of narrowbody Airbus A321LR/XLR jets for transatlantic routes.
Earlier this year SAS announced an order for 45 Embraer E195-E2 regional jets plus options for more aircraft as part of modernizing its regional subsidiary fleet.
Air France-KLM recently moved forward with plans to increase its stake in SAS from just under 20% up to a majority holding of approximately 60.5%, pending regulatory approval by European authorities. The Danish state will retain around a quarter ownership along with board representation. While financial terms have not been disclosed publicly yet—the original minority stake was purchased for $145 million—the move is expected to enhance operational synergies across loyalty programs and scheduling among partner airlines.
Van der Werff commented on the proposed acquisition: “Air France–KLM becoming the majority owner would mark a defining moment for SAS and a strong signal of confidence in the direction we’re heading. It brings not just stability but will also allow for deeper industrial integration and the full backing of one of the world’s leading airline groups, once regulatory approval has been obtained. Together, we will be better positioned to deliver greater value to our customers, our colleagues, and the wider region.”
Looking ahead into summer 2026, SAS intends further expansion including nine new routes from Copenhagen alone—such as Riga (three daily), Luxemburg (twice daily), Istanbul (daily), Bordeaux (twice weekly), Mumbai (five times weekly), Marseille (twice weekly), Visby (three times weekly)—and increased frequencies on existing connections throughout Europe and Asia.
Additional growth is anticipated once two new A350s arrive later next year; completion of Air France-KLM's acquisition may also bring changes such as alignment within loyalty programs or inclusion into joint ventures like SkyTeam's Transatlantic JV.
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