On August 1st, the Scandinavian airline, SAS celebrates 70 years as pioneers in the sky. The first flight, Stockholm to New York, took place on September 17th the same year.
August 1, 1946 was the starting point for Scandinavia’s preferred airline through the merger of the Norwegian, Danish, and Swedish international airline operations.
On September 17 of the same year, 28 specially invited guests gathered for the inaugural flight with SAS’ new DC-4 “Dan Viking” from Stockholm to New York.
The journey took 25 hours with intermediate landings in Copenhagen, Prestwick in Scotland and Gander on Newfoundland. The true history of SAS had begun.
SAS inaugural flight to calcutta India to Bangkok, December 1949
“The anniversary marks SAS’s position as Scandinavia’s preferred airline, focusing on making life easy for travellers to, from, and within Scandinavia. I am grateful to each and every passenger and employee that has contributed to SAS’ 70 year long history and our future to come. We’ve been part of seventy years of unique travel stories, and there are many more to come“
Rickard Gustafson, CEO and Group President, SAS.
Pioneers in the sky – then, now and in the future
Through the decades, SAS has launched the world’s first around-the-world service, in-flight entertainment system, tourist class and sleeper seats. SAS was the first airline to offer separate check-in and lounges, and we hired the first female commercial pilot.
SAS was also first to implement green approaches, saving aircraft fuel and reducing emissions. These historic examples have paved the way to where we stand today, focusing on making life easier for Scandinavia’s frequent travelers.
“We want to make life easier for frequent travelers to, from, and within Scandinavia, and we are continuously working on innovation and development to ensure that our customers have a seamless journey, with smart, digital solutions.
If we continue to show our frequent travelers that we do actually make life easier, SAS will still be vital in the future for those of us who live, work, and travel in this part of the world.” says Rickard Gustafson.
New and smart digital solutions
SAS is currently investing in new innovations and smart digital solutions to make travel an easier, faster and more personal experience.
Making life easier involves features like upgraded SAS Lounges, new SAS Café Lounges as well as Fast Track. SAS loyalty & frequent flyer program, EuroBonus, was founded in 1992 and now has more than 4.5 million members.
EuroBonus members can accumulate points on flights, hotel stays, car rentals and even on everyday purchases. The points can be redeemed at either SAS or our many partners.
See highlights of SAS 70 years in the sky so far on: https://scandinaviantraveler.com/sas70
