Scandinavian airline SAS has unveiled a specially painted aircraft to mark its 80th anniversary, celebrating eight decades of connecting the Nordic region with the rest of the world.
The milestone comes in 2026, exactly 80 years after the airline’s first intercontinental service on September 17, 1946.
That inaugural route between Stockholm and New York helped establish Scandinavia’s early global air links.
To mark the anniversary, SAS has introduced a dedicated livery on one of its Airbus A330-300 aircraft.
A New Look Inspired by the Past
The design features an all-over SAS blue fuselage for the first time, alongside a reinterpretation of the Scandinavian flag inspired by the airline’s 1980s look.
A new anniversary emblem, influenced by the shape of aircraft engines and fuselage lines, is displayed on the tail.
The aircraft is part of SAS’s long-haul fleet, which includes eight A330-300 aircraft, each configured with 266 seats. These are complemented by newer Airbus A350 and A321LR aircraft serving intercontinental routes.
Marking 80 Years of Global Connections
“For 80 years, Scandinavian Airlines has driven innovation and brought Scandinavia closer to the world through safe and reliable operations,” said Anko van der Werff, President and CEO of SAS.
“From our first transatlantic flight to today’s global network, that purpose remains unchanged. This aircraft is a symbol of our heritage, and of the role we play every day for our customers and the societies we serve.”
Today, SAS connects Scandinavia with destinations across Europe, North America and Asia, with Copenhagen serving as its primary international hub.
A Nod to History
The anniversary aircraft’s first scheduled service will operate between Copenhagen and New York, mirroring the historic route that defined SAS’s early expansion into long-haul travel.
Throughout 2026, SAS plans to highlight its heritage while emphasising its continued role in linking people, businesses and societies across borders.
