As the aviation industry grapples with the imperative to curb its environmental footprint, Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) significantly strides towards a sustainable future. The esteemed airline has proudly announced reservations for its first commercial electric flight, set to take off in 2028. This heralds a new chapter in aviation history, promising a revolutionary travel experience across Sweden, Norway, and Denmark.
Since SAS’s inception in 1946, it has remained at the forefront of the aviation industry. Remembered as the pioneer to traverse the North Pole, significantly shrinking intercontinental flight times, the airline is now set to embark on another pathbreaking journey towards greener skies. This new venture is a testament to SAS’s enduring commitment to innovation, living up to founder Wallenberg’s belief that “moving from the old to the new is the only tradition worth preserving.”
SAS invites travellers to be part of this groundbreaking transition by reserving a seat on the inaugural electric flights. Thirty seats are up for grabs on each of the three debut journeys. The price for a seat on these historic flights has been set at SEK/NOK/DKK 1946, a nostalgic nod to the year SAS first spread its wings.
Reservations can be made on the SAS official website here starting 2 June at noon CET. The airline allows a maximum of two seats per reservation and person. Details regarding the exact departure day and place will be relayed to travellers by email once finalized—the 1946 kr. The fee includes all charges and taxes and must be paid 30 days before the flight.
In keeping with its commitment to greener skies, SAS aims for net-zero emissions by 2050. The advent of electric aircraft for shorter trips is integral to this vision. Over the years, SAS has driven sustainable aviation through numerous initiatives and collaborations, such as investing in fuel-efficient aircraft, promoting sustainable fuels, and continuously improving inflight offerings and services.
Among its notable sustainability milestones, SAS partnered with Airbus in 2019 to facilitate the large-scale use of low- and zero-emission commercial aircraft. That same year, the airline joined forces with Heart Aerospace to pioneer electric aircraft development. This resulted in the endorsement of the new electric ES-30 for SAS’s regional fleet in September 2022.
Looking ahead, SAS aims to reduce noise pollution by 50% compared to 2010 levels by 2030. It plans to use sustainable aviation fuel equivalent to SAS’ domestic production by the same year. These goals align with its ultimate ambition for 2050: net-zero carbon emissions in line with the International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) updated ambition.
As SAS invites the world to embrace the future of electric aviation, it continues to write a new, sustainable chapter in the annals of aviation history. Today’s travellers are offered the unique opportunity to join in shaping a more sustainable future for all – one flight at a time.
Written by: Christine Nguyen
