Celebrating 80 years

This year, SAS celebrates eight decades of connecting Scandinavia with the world – and the world with Scandinavia.

Stay tuned as we mark the occasion with celebrations throughout the year.

Since 1946
On September 17, 1946 the very first flight from Stockholm to New York took off. That historic flight not only crossed the Atlantic but also brought continents closer together – a milestone that opened a new chapter in global connectivity.
Today, SAS stands as a symbol of Scandinavian reliability and innovation, with a rich legacy of iconic moments that have shaped the way we move around the world. As we look to the future, SAS proudly continues a legacy that began with courage and vision, driven by a pioneering spirit that remains stronger than ever.
Thank you for being part of 80 incredible years with SAS. The journey continues, and we look forward to welcoming you on board for many years to come.
All photos © SAS Museum.

SAS x Sjöö Sandström
The Limited Edition SAS 80 Years embodies the elegance of flight and the alliance of two iconic brands. These refined timepieces blends Swedish craftsmanship with aviation-infused design, allowing you to track two time zones effortlessly.
Meticulously crafted in Stockholm, this exclusive edition features an automatic movement, a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating, and a crown positioned at 2 o’clock for optimal wrist comfort.
At the heart of these anniversary timepieces beats a fragment of history. The second hand is crafted from aluminum sourced from the retired SAS Aircraft Astrid Viking. Once soaring across oceans and time zones, it now moves with a second life.

Our Anniversary Livery
Celebrating 80 years of connecting Scandinavia to the world calls for something truly special. The SAS 80th Anniversary livery is a tribute to our heritage and to the many journeys still to come. Applied to an Airbus A330-300, one of the key aircraft in our long-haul fleet, the design transforms a global workhorse into a flying celebration.
The livery features SAS blue across the entire aircraft for the first time, building on one of the airline’s most recognizable design elements. The Scandinavian flag has been reinterpreted as a reference to the classic 1980s livery, alongside a new anniversary symbol inspired by the aircraft’s engines and fuselage.

Discover some of the iconic moments from 80 years of SAS. Stories will be revealed throughout the year.

The First SAS Flight
SAS first flight to New York in 1946, operated by the DC-4 Dan Viking.
Jet Age Dining
1960s onboard dining, with meals served in style by chefs and cabin crew.
First Over the Pole
In 1954, SAS pioneered the first commercial flight over the North Pole, cutting travel time between Europe and the U.S. West Coast.
A Scandinavian Design Icon
From aircraft livery to onboard details and uniforms, SAS has brought Scandinavian design to the skies for 80 years. Pictured: SAS cabin crew in a chic uniform by Calvin Klein, a glimpse of 1980s travel glamour.