• 

  SAS

  IATA/ICAO Code:

  SK/SAS

  Airline Type:

  Full Service Carrier

  Hub(s):

  Copenhagen Airport, Oslo Gardermoen Airport, Stockholm Arlanda Airport

  Year Founded:

  1946

  Alliance:

  Star Alliance

  Airline Group:

  SAS Group

  CEO:

  Anko van der Werff

Talks between Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) and pilot unions have broken down, triggering strike action. A total of 900 pilots have been called to strike across Scandinavia, with approximately half of those being based in Norway.

Up to 50 % of the airline's flying schedule could be canceled as a result, impacting both domestic and international services. The strikes are expected to affect around 30,000 passengers per day, in Norway, Sweden, and Denmark, although the airline is yet to confirm which flights will be canceled.

What we do know is that flights operated by the airlines’ subsidiaries SAS Link and SAS Connect are not affected. Any flights operated on a wet lease basis by airBaltic, CityJet, and XFLY are also expected to depart as normal.

SAS president and CEO, Anko van der Werff, commented,

"We deeply regret that our customers are affected by this strike, leading to delays and canceled flights. We know all our passengers have been longing for this summer holiday and have booked travels for themselves and their loved ones. SAS employees are working hard to help our customers that have been affected by this unfortunate situation."

Strike action could put the airline’s future in jeopardy

The strike action is one of the largest walkouts by airline employees since British Airways’ pilots went on strike in 2019, and comes just as airlines worldwide are beginning to reverse their financial losses incurred during the pandemic.

British Airways could once again be affected by strike action this summer - its check-in staff recently backed an upcoming walkout.

The airline has stated that strike action will have a “negative impact on the liquidity and financial position of the company, and, if prolonged, such impact could become material.” Shares in SAS dropped by 5 % following the strike announcement.

Van der Werff went on to say,

"A strike at this point is devastating for SAS and puts the company’s future together with the jobs of thousands of colleagues at stake. The decision to go on strike now demonstrates reckless behavior from the pilots’ unions and a shockingly low understanding of the critical situation that SAS is in."

The airline has committed to continuing mediation in a bid to end the strikes.

The union response

Union leaders have blamed SAS for the strike, and called on the airline to change its stance. SAS Pilot Group chairman, Martin Lindgren, said,

"We have finally realized that SAS doesn't want an agreement. SAS wants a strike. We hope we will be able to return to the negotiating table and meet, but it requires that the employer makes a move."

Last week, Ryanair reached a pay deal with UK pilots in order to avoid strike action. All eyes will now be on SAS' leaders to see if they can achieve the same outcome.

What does this mean for SAS passengers?

In a statement today, SAS has advised that affected passengers will be contacted by SMS and email to inform them of their options. They can choose between rebooking onto an alternative flight, receiving a refund, or changing their flight to a later date.

However, the peak summer season is now well underway, and the options available for passengers to rebook may be highly limited. In such situations, SAS has advised that it will liaise with passengers regarding alternative bookings and reimbursements.

Have you been affected by the SAS pilot strikes? Share your thoughts and experiences by commenting below.

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