SAS Unveils A330 Anniversary Livery for 80 Years

Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) has unveiled a specially painted Airbus A330-300 to mark the start of its 80th year of operations, celebrating eight decades of connecting Scandinavia with the world.

The milestone traces back to September 17, 1946, when SAS launched its first intercontinental service linking Stockholm and New York, a pioneering route that positioned the airline as a key transatlantic connector. Today, SAS operates a global network spanning Europe, North America, and Asia, with Copenhagen Airport serving as its primary long-haul hub.

To commemorate the anniversary, the airline introduced a dedicated livery on one of its Airbus A330-300 aircraft, a core component of its intercontinental fleet. SAS currently operates eight A330-300s, each configured with 266 seats, alongside newer Airbus A350 aircraft that support its long-haul operations.

The new design features an all-over SAS blue color scheme for the first time, reinforcing one of the airline’s most recognizable brand elements. It also incorporates a modern interpretation of the Scandinavian flag, inspired by the airline’s classic 1980s livery, along with a new anniversary emblem reflecting the shape of aircraft engines and fuselage design.

“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.”

The aircraft’s inaugural flight is scheduled between Copenhagen and New York, symbolically recreating the airline’s original long-haul route and underscoring its enduring role in transatlantic travel.

Throughout 2026, SAS plans to mark its anniversary with a series of initiatives highlighting its history, network evolution, and continued focus on connecting people, businesses, and societies across the globe.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, www.flysas.com