STATE AID

In accordance with the state aid rules, SAS hereby publishes information of the use of the aid received from the Swedish and Danish state during the recapitalisation 2020, especially how the aid has supported the green and digital transformation. 

Due to COVID-19 and the consequences for travel that the pandemic entailed, SAS’ revenues were negatively affected and could not cover the costs. The funds raised in connection with the recapitalization has i.a. been used to cover costs, which has meant that SAS has been able to continue its work with regard to the green and digital transformation.

The state aid SAS has received has made it possible for SAS to continue its ambitious agenda regarding the climate and environmental impact. SAS continuously works to reduce the climate and environmental impact of its operations through innovation and investments in new technology. SAS’ previous target of reducing its absolute level of carbon emissions by 25% (compared to 2005) by 2030 has been accelerated to 2025. The reduction corresponds to all carbon emissions from SAS’ trips within Scandinavia during 2019, and ensures that SAS contributes to meeting the goals in the Paris Agreement. A crucial part of this agenda the ongoing renewal of SAS's fleet. In 2025, SAS is expected to operate one of the youngest fleets in Europe, with the most fuel efficient aircraft type in each segment. SAS intends to achieve this goal by continuing to introduce new fuel-efficient Airbus A320neo and Airbus A350 aircraft in its fleet.

An additional part of SAS’ work to reduce climate and environmental impact is to reach a world-leading position in the use of more sustainable aviation fuels ("SAF"). SAS continues its intensive work with most existing and potential SAF producers to accelerate development in the SAF area. During the past year SAS also intends to explore collaborations with suppliers of services within carbon capture and storage.

The state aid SAS has received has made it possible for SAS to continue to focus on digital transformation. SAS has the past years focused much on digitalization and digital transformation. To handle rapid market changes and ever-changing customer needs, the digitalisation has accelerated during the pandemic. By increased focus on agile development, SAS has achieved shorter development cycles and simultaneously increased existing competencies within digitalization and digital development.

Cutting edge technology has helped us to automate standard work and SAS digital competence has made SAS Travel ready center possible, where SAS customers can upload necessary travel documentation and have access to updated information on travel restrictions.

Further, SAS has also built an increased, and highly advanced protection against cyber attacks on many of SAS’ systems handling sensitive customer data.