Scandinavian airline SAS will stop selling duty-free goods on flights from this autumn to reduce the weight of aircraft and cut fuel consumption and emissions.
SAS announced the move this week as it pledged “a number of changes onboard flights in order to reduce the weight of our aircraft”.
In a statement, the carrier said: “From this autumn, tax-free sales will cease on SAS flights. This will save fuel and cut emissions.”
The carrier acknowledged: “Tax-free sales have long been a popular service onboard, but our passengers’ buying behaviour has changed and sustainability has become more important than ever – for both our passengers and SAS.
“Withdrawing tax-free sales will reduce the overall weight of the aircraft. SAS will develop solutions to offer passengers more modern ways of buying and receiving goods.”
Karl Sandlund, SAS commercial executive vice-president, said: “SAS is aiming to cut emissions by at least 25% by 2030. Every initiative to reduce weight and cut fuel consumption helps.”
KLM announced in March that it would halt duty-free sales on European flights from this summer and cease sales on all flights from January 2020.
