In October 2023, it was announced that Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) would be leaving the Star Alliance for SkyTeam.
SAS – the flag carrier of Denmark, Norway, and Sweden – was one of the founding members of the Star Alliance, which was first launched in May 1997, along with Air Canada, Lufthansa, Thai Airways, and United Airlines. It ultimately became the first global airline alliance in the world.
The alliance has attracted many more major airlines since its inception, including All Nippon Airways (ANA), Air China, Lufthansa, Singapore Airlines, and Turkish Airlines. Meanwhile, in terms of market share, the Star Alliance leads the way.
So why did SAS leave Star Alliance? After years of financial difficulties and a corporate overhaul, Air France-KLM acquired a stake in the airline. It was agreed that SAS would join SkyTeam – the alliance that includes both Air France and KLM – as part of the deal.
SAS officially left the Star Alliance on August 31, 2024, joining SkyTeam on September 1, 2024.
Who did SAS join in the SkyTeam alliance?
When SAS officially became a member of SkyTeam on September 1, 2024, the airline joined Aerolíneas Argentinas, Aeroméxico, Air Europa, Air France, China Airlines, China Eastern Airlines, Czech Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Garuda Indonesia, ITA Airways, Kenya Airways, KLM, Korean Air, Middle East Airlines, Saudia, TAROM, Vietnam Airlines, Virgin Atlantic, and Xiamen Air in the alliance.
SAS President and CEO Anko van der Werff believes the airline’s switch from Star Alliance to SkyTeam will greatly benefit its frequent flyers.
“We are very excited to now have reached this pivotal milestone in SAS’ alliance transition journey,” van der Werff said in the official SkyTeam press release.
“EuroBonus members [the airline’s frequent flyer customers] will be able to enjoy new destinations and benefits as part of the SkyTeam alliance family, marking the start of an exciting future for customers, partners and employees alike.
“SAS customers will benefit from SkyTeam’s strong global presence in many of the world’s major aviation hubs and from its focus on strategic partnerships and innovative sustainability initiatives.”
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