SAS and Delta Strengthen Connectivity with New Codeshare Partnership

SAS, the flag carrier for Denmark, Norway, and Sweden, officially joined the SkyTeam alliance and has since signed a significant codeshare agreement with Delta Air Lines, a key member of the alliance. Set to take effect on September 25, 2024, this partnership aims to enhance connectivity and expand travel options between cities in North America and Scandinavia.

With this agreement, SAS customers will enjoy access to over 150 destinations across North America through Delta’s major hubs, including Atlanta, Boston, Los Angeles, New York, and Seattle. Conversely, Delta travelers will gain access to 50 destinations in Northern Europe from SAS’s hubs in Copenhagen, Oslo, and Stockholm, significantly broadening travel choices for both airlines’ passengers.

The reciprocal codeshare arrangement allows frequent flyer members to earn and redeem miles across both airlines, with SAS EuroBonus points and Delta SkyMiles available for use on flights operated by either carrier. This integration is expected to foster customer loyalty and enhance the overall travel experience.

The timing of this deal is notable as SAS approaches the end of 2024 on a positive note. The airline emerged from bankruptcy protection in August 2024 after a two-year restructuring period, bolstered by significant investment from the Air France-KLM Group. Recently, SAS announced plans to introduce a new business class product for intra-European flights and a direct route from Copenhagen to Seattle, further enhancing its operational offerings.

Paul Verhagen, Chief Commercial Officer of SAS, expressed enthusiasm for the new agreement, stating, “We are thrilled to expand our partnership with Delta through this new codeshare agreement, enhancing travel options between Scandinavia and North America. With our new direct route from Copenhagen to Seattle, we’re strengthening connections to the Pacific Northwest, offering more travel options for our passengers.”

Delta’s Senior Vice President of Alliances, Perry Cantarutti, echoed this sentiment, noting that the partnership would bolster Delta’s presence in Northern Europe, thereby improving travel experiences for customers. “Our new partnership with SAS will strengthen our presence in Northern Europe by offering customers improved access to destinations throughout Scandinavia and a better overall flying experience,” he said.

Interestingly, the agreement appears to provide more advantages for SAS passengers compared to Delta travelers. SAS operates direct flights to all of Delta’s main US hubs, facilitating seamless connections to numerous domestic and international destinations. However, Delta does not currently offer flights from the US to SAS’s primary Scandinavian hubs.

With the backing of Air France-KLM, SAS has ambitious plans to maximize its benefits from the SkyTeam alliance. Delta, Air France, KLM, and Virgin Atlantic form a subgroup known as the SkyTeam transatlantic joint venture, aiming to solidify their presence in the transatlantic market. If SAS were to join this subgroup in the future—though no announcements have been made—it would further cement its role within the SkyTeam alliance.

As SAS continues to strengthen its network, the addition of this codeshare agreement is poised to enhance connections between Europe, North America, and beyond, positioning the alliance to better compete with Oneworld and Star Alliance in the transatlantic market.