SAS decided to leave Star Alliance for SkyTeam in 2024

The carrier will join Air France-KLM, Delta, Virgin Atlantic and co. in an historic shake-up of airline alliances

Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) is poised to depart from the Star Alliance and transition to membership in SkyTeam, potentially in the second quarter of the year. Following a challenging period marked by the pandemic, escalating expenses, and heightened competition in key markets, SAS sought Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in July 2022. Despite efforts to emerge independently, the airline announced a significant restructuring plan in October 2023, backed by a $1.16 billion investment from a winning consortium. Among the investors, Air France-KLM agreed to acquire a 20 percent stake in SAS, with potential for further investment. Other stakeholders include the U.S. investment firm Castlelake and the Danish state.

Anko van der Werff, President and CEO of SAS, hailed the investment as a pivotal moment for the airline, expressing confidence in SAS' future prospects. The move towards partnership with SkyTeam represents a strategic direction for SAS, aimed at enhancing its offerings for employees, customers, and communities. SAS's transition to SkyTeam would have notable implications for the airline alliance landscape. Having been a founding member of Star Alliance in 1997, SAS's alignment with SkyTeam, founded in 2000, signifies a significant shift. The anticipated transition, expected between April and June 2024, would coincide with the airline's emergence from bankruptcy protection. In addition to alliance membership, SAS is anticipated to join the SkyTeam transatlantic joint venture post-bankruptcy, alongside Air France-KLM, Delta, and Virgin Atlantic.