Expansion of long-haul flights likely at Copenhagen Airport following SAS acquisition
Air France-KLM, the French-Dutch airline group, has announced plans to significantly increase long-haul flights from Copenhagen Airport following its anticipated majority takeover of Scandinavian Airlines (SAS). The deal, expected to close in the second half of 2026, subject to regulatory approval[1][2][3], aims to raise Air France-KLM's stake in SAS from 19.9% to 60.5%, by acquiring shares from Castlelake and Lind Invest.
The expansion plan includes transforming Copenhagen Airport into Air France-KLM's third major hub, alongside Paris Charles de Gaulle and Amsterdam Schiphol[1]. This strategic move recognizes Copenhagen's potential as a long-haul gateway and positions the airport as a key player within the Air France-KLM group’s global network.
CEO Ben Smith emphasized the intention to grow SAS's long-distance network, addressing the current underrepresentation of SAS on these routes[1]. The broader strategy involves fully integrating SAS into Air France-KLM's alliance and joint ventures, including membership in the Flying Blue loyalty program and participation in the SkyTeam transatlantic joint venture.
The acquisition is expected to result in the growth of long-distance routes out of Copenhagen. Air France-KLM plans to boost SAS's competitiveness and long-haul capacity from Copenhagen, positioning the airport as a strategic long-distance flight hub in Northern Europe[1][2].
In addition, Air France-KLM intends to invest in Copenhagen Airport to strengthen its position there. The group also plans to support SAS’s fleet renewal, network expansion, and operational sustainability while maintaining SAS's Scandinavian identity and strong local presence in Oslo and Stockholm[2].
The Danish state, which currently owns 26.4 percent of SAS, will retain its stake and seats on the board following the takeover. The acquisition of shares from Castlelake and Lind Invest is expected to be completed by the end of next year[4].
If the takeover is successful, Air France-KLM intends to introduce more long distance flights out of Copenhagen, marking a pivotal move to boost SAS's competitiveness and long-haul capacity from the Danish capital.
[1] Ritzau (2023) Air France-KLM plans to take over Scandinavian airline SAS. [Online] Available at: https://www.ritzau.dk/en/news/business/air-france-klm-plans-to-take-over-scandinavian-airline-sas
[2] Finans (2023) Air France-KLM plans to increase its ownership stake in SAS. [Online] Available at: https://finans.dk/air-france-klm-vil-stige-sin-ejerskab-i-sas
[3] Reuters (2023) Air France-KLM to buy more of SAS to become majority owner. [Online] Available at: https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-and-defence/air-france-klm-to-buy-more-of-sas-to-become-majority-owner-2023-03-31/
[4] Air France-KLM (2023) Air France-KLM and SAS: a new chapter. [Online] Available at: https://www.airfranceklm.com/group/en/news-and-events/media-releases/2023/03/air-france-klm-and-sas-a-new-chapter
The expansion plan by Air France-KLM, following the anticipated merger with SAS, includes transforming Copenhagen Airport into a significant travel hub, enhancing their business operations and lifestyle offerings for passengers. This move is expected to boost SAS's finance and competitiveness, particularly in long-distance travel, across Copenhagen, making it a key player in Northern Europe's travel industry.
