SkyTeam CEO Patrick Roux and SAS CEO Anko van der Werff discussed the Scandinavian airline’s entry into the SkyTeam alliance 2024 IATA AGM in Dubai (June 2-4, 2024). Roux explained that airline integration is typically a sequential process, with each step dependent on the previous one, often leading to bottlenecks. However, the experience of SAS teams with major airline operations facilitated a smoother transition.
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SkyTeamSkyTeam and SAS, a founding member of Star Alliance, flag carrier of Scandinavia, have signed an Alliance Adherence Agreement concluding that SAS will join SkyTeam on 1 September 2024, following Air France-KLM’s equity investment. This marks the first instance of a founding member switching alliances. Both CEOs praised the speed of SAS’s integration into SkyTeam, noting that the usual 18 to 24 months required for such transitions was significantly shortened.
SkyTeam CEO Patrick Roux and SAS CEO Anko van der Werff discussed the Scandinavian airline’s entry into the SkyTeam alliance 2024 IATA AGM in Dubai (June 2-4, 2024). Roux explained that airline integration is typically a sequential process, with each step dependent on the previous one, often leading to bottlenecks. However, the experience of SAS teams with major airline operations facilitated a smoother transition.
Van der Werff emphasized the advantages SAS brings to SkyTeam, including its 8 million Eurobonus loyalty members and its strong presence in Scandinavia, a region with high-income levels and a strong propensity for travel.
Discussing market challenges, Van der Werff noted the difficulties SAS faces in Asia due to the closure of Russian airspace, which has extended flight times by 3 to 3.5 hours and increased fuel consumption. Consequently, SAS focuses on the North Atlantic market, leveraging partnerships with SkyTeam members like Delta Airlines and Air France-KLM. While SAS is considering new US routes, its long-haul operations will primarily remain centered at Copenhagen (CPH), with potential for future expansion to smaller airports in collaboration with partners.
Van der Werff did not rule out entering new markets such as Latin America, where he has considerable experience from his previous roles at Avianca and Aeromexico.
The press conference also covered SAS’s ongoing business restructuring. Van der Werff announced that the US phase, overseen by a US judge, is nearing completion and could conclude this summer. He also expressed optimism about the approval of the Air France-KLM partnership by European regulators, emphasizing that SAS and Air France-KLM would remain competitors on Scandinavian routes.
Despite recent financial challenges, SAS continues to invest in sustainability. Van der Werff reaffirmed the airline’s support for Heart Aerospace, a Swedish hybrid-electric aircraft developer, and its collaboration with Airbus on the ZEROe hydrogen-powered airliner program. He assured that these sustainability commitments are factored into the airline’s restructuring plans, reflecting investor confidence.
Source: GLO
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