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Scandinavian Airlines

Scandinavian Airlines, commonly known as SAS, is the flag carrier of Denmark, Norway and Sweden.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated September 11, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Scandinavian Airlines, commonly known as SAS, is the flag carrier of Denmark, Norway and Sweden. Founded on 1 August 1946, it commenced operations on 17 September 1946. The airline is headquartered in Solna, Stockholm County, Sweden, and operates from major hubs at Copenhagen Airport, Stockholm Arlanda Airport, and Oslo Airport. It is owned by SAS AB (SAS Group).

History

Scandinavian Airlines began in 1946 as a joint venture to pool transatlantic operations among Denmark, Norway and Sweden. The separate national carriers were fully merged into SAS in 1951.

Operations

SAS operates a European and intercontinental network from hubs in Copenhagen, Oslo and Stockholm. Public company information describes it as Scandinavia’s leading airline and notes that it also provides ground handling, technical maintenance and cargo services.

Ownership and corporate structure

SAS is part of SAS AB, also known as SAS Group, a Swedish-based airline holding company headquartered in Solna, Sweden. The group includes Scandinavian Airlines as well as SAS Link and SAS Connect.

Alliance membership

SAS was a founding member of Star Alliance in 1997. Airline and route information provided by SAS indicates that it joined SkyTeam in September 2024.

Key facts

  • SAS was founded in 1946 as a consortium and fully merged in 1951.
  • It is the flag carrier of Denmark, Norway and Sweden.
  • SAS has major hubs in Copenhagen, Oslo and Stockholm.
  • The company serves more than 150 destinations and carries roughly 25 million passengers annually.
  • SAS was a founding member of Star Alliance and joined SkyTeam in 2024.
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Canadian context

SAS connects Scandinavian and other international passengers to Canada through its wider transatlantic network, making it relevant to Canadian travellers and business passengers flying between Canada and Northern Europe.

Frequently asked questions

What is SAS Airlines?
SAS is the common name for Scandinavian Airlines, the flag carrier of Denmark, Norway and Sweden.
When was Scandinavian Airlines founded?
It was founded on 1 August 1946.
Where is SAS headquartered?
Its headquarters are in Solna, Stockholm County, Sweden.
What are SAS’s main hubs?
Its main hubs are Copenhagen Airport, Stockholm Arlanda Airport and Oslo Airport.
Which airline alliances has SAS been part of?
SAS was a founding member of Star Alliance and later joined SkyTeam in 2024.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scandinavian_Airlines
    Supports: Founding date, hubs, headquarters, fleet and route network, passenger volume, and alliance history.
  2. SAS Group — https://www.sasgroup.net/about-sas/
    Supports: Corporate description, hubs, passenger figures, destinations, services, and sustainability positioning.
  3. Britannica Money — https://www.britannica.com/money/Scandinavian-Airlines-System
    Supports: 1946 consortium origin, merger by 1951, and historical formation details.
  4. Routes — https://www.routesonline.com/airlines/4385/sas-scandinavian-airlines/about/
    Supports: Hubs, passenger figures, destinations, cargo volume, punctuality claim, and SkyTeam membership.
  5. About Airports — https://www.aboutairports.com/airline/SK
    Supports: IATA code SK, ICAO code SAS, founding date, and origin as a consortium.