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Back in April, I wrote about Scandinavian Airlines’ (SAS) timeline to join SkyTeam. This was in part due to an investment from Air France-KLM. SAS announced at the time that it planned to be a full SkyTeam member airline on September 1st and that transition occurred today.
SAS joins SkyTeam!
We are thrilled to announce that today, SAS has officially joined the @SkyTeam alliance!
Thank you to our customers, partners, and colleagues for your support. We look forward to welcoming you onboard and connecting you to the world.#flySAS #SkyTeam pic.twitter.com/ksPt47RBEJ
— SAS – Scandinavian Airlines (@SAS) September 1, 2024
SAS is now a full member of SkyTeam and offers all associated benefits as well as points earning and redemption options. SAS EuroBonus Silver members now have SkyTeam Elite status. EuroBonus Gold and Diamond members now hold SkyTeam Elite Plus status. Benefits include:
- EuroBonus Silver members receive extra baggage allowances and priority check-in with most SkyTeam airlines.
- EuroBonus Gold and Diamond members receive lounge access, fast track, and priority boarding with most SkyTeam airlines.
In addition to joining SkyTeam, SAS plans to be fully incorporated in the SkyTeam transatlantic joint venture. This is currently made up of Air France-KLM, Delta Air Lines, and Virgin Atlantic. This requires government approval, but is in the works. SAS will provide SkyTeam with hubs at Copenhagen Airport (CPH), Stockholm Arlanda Airport (ARN), and Oslo Airport (OSL). These will nicely complement SkyTeam’s existing hubs in Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS), London Heathrow Airport (LHR), and Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG). KLM, Air France, and Virgin Atlantic primarily operate from these three airports.
SAS filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in July 2022. The airline planned to cut costs and restructure, but this would not have been enough to save it. The airline needed to bring on investors, including Air France-KLM. A $1.16 billion investment was made, split between US investment firm Castlelake with a 32% stake, Air France-KLM with a 20% stake, and the Danish state funding a 26% stake. Air France-KLM may look to increase its stake in the future.
On 1 September 2024, SAS joins @skyteam! With this, SAS travelers get access to 750+ airport lounges, SkyPriority services and much more. EuroBonus Silver will be recognized as SkyTeam Elite; Gold/Diamond as SkyTeam Elite Plus. 🎉 #flysas #skyteam pic.twitter.com/AY53lY0yB0
— SAS – Scandinavian Airlines (@SAS) April 29, 2024
The airline emerged from bankruptcy protection a few days ago and its CEO, Anko van der Werff, said:
This is a historic day that marks the start of an exciting future for SAS’ customers, partners and colleagues. We have successfully completed our restructuring proceedings and we are now entering a new era. It has been a complex process and I’m thankful for the constructive collaboration with creditors and partners, for the valuable support from the Board, as well as impressive efforts, energy and enthusiasm throughout our organization. Efforts that made it possible to save and restart one of the finest companies in Scandinavia. Now, we must look ahead and complete the transformation that we have started, continue our commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, and take advantage of the opportunities in a growing market. We have an excellent team, we are shortly joining the SkyTeam alliance family, and we have every opportunity to remain a leader in our industry for generations to come.”
Anthony’s Take: SAS leaving Star Alliance gives the Scandinavian carrier a chance at a fresh start. Between the investment from Air France-KLM as well as the possibility of joining its joint venture, it looks like things are moving in the right direction.
(Featured Image Credit: Miguel Angel Sanz.)
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