SAS has officially joined the SkyTeam global airline alliance, following its move out of US Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection and a restructure.
The Scandinavian airline had previously said it would move from Star Alliance after SkyTeam founding member Air France-KLM supported a $1.1 billion consortium bid to rescue SAS from bankruptcy protection.
SAS said customers will benefit from seamless connectivity to more 1,000 destinations in SkyTeam’s global network, with new opportunities in Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean.
Codeshare agreements are already in place with Air France-KLM with more SkyTeam members to follow soon.
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Andres Conesa, SkyTeam chairman, said: “We are happy to welcome SAS into the SkyTeam family, a customer-focused airline who shares our vision of delivering a seamless experience across the network. As we approach our 25th anniversary year, we are sure that SAS will help us deliver new opportunities for customers.”
Anko van der Werff, SAS president and chief executive, described the move as “the beginning of a new era for SAS”.
“Our customers will experience a smooth transition to SkyTeam, thanks to the tireless efforts of all SAS colleagues,” he said.
“The partnership will open new opportunities for our passengers, expand our global network, and allow us to collaborate closely with like-minded airlines.”
SkyTeam chief executive Patrick Roux added: “At SkyTeam, our goal is to be the most integrated and seamless alliance, fostering strong collaboration that consistently delivers exceptional value to our customers, employees, and member airlines. We believe in the power of teamwork to create a smooth and cohesive travel experience.”
SAS customers who are EuroBonus members can earn and redeem points across most SkyTeam airlines, while Gold and Diamond members will gain access to SkyPriority services and lounges around the world.
SAS EuroBonus Silver members will now be recognised as SkyTeam Elite, and Gold and Diamond members will enjoy the elevated status of Elite Plus, granting them enhanced services across the SkyTeam network.
With SAS now a member, SkyTeam becomes the only airline alliance to serve both the southernmost and northernmost commercial airports in the world: Ushuaia in Argentina and Svalbard in Norway.
This addition also improves access to the key Scandinavian hubs of Copenhagen, Stockholm, and Oslo.
SkyTeam members are Aeroflot (suspended), Aerolíneas Argentinas, Aeromexico, Air Europa, Air France, China Airlines, China Eastern, Czech Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Garuda Indonesia, ITA Airways, Kenya Airways, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Korean Air, Middle East Airlines, SAS, Saudia, TAROM, Vietnam Airlines, Virgin Atlantic and XiamenAir.
Pictured from left: Patrick Roux, SkyTeam, and Anko van der Werff, SAS.