Scandinavian Airlines System, known by most as SAS, is increasing flights to North America and Asia next summer, even as its future remains uncertain.
SAS Will Add Flights To Asia + North America In 2024, Including Extra JFK Flight
Today, SAS announced its summer longhaul schedule for 2024 and there were at least two things there that surprised me. Here’s the update:
- Copenhagen (CPH) – New York (JFK) will increase in frequency with up to two daily flights, both with Airbus A321LR
- These additional flights will complement the existing daily Airbus A330 flights to New York-Newark Airport originating from each of the Scandinavian capitals
- Copenhagen – Boston (BOS) will increase in frequency going from six times a week to daily
- The aircraft used for these flights will be the Airbus A350, which means there will be twice as many seats available
- A fourth weekly flight will be added from Copenhagen – Toronto (YYZ)
- The departure will be better timed to connect flights to and from European and Scandinavian cities
- From April 25, there will be more flights to Asia, with increased service to both Shanghai (PVG) and Tokyo (HND) from three to four times a week
- The Copenhagen – Bangkok (BKK) route will be extended until April 20th so that the Easter holidays are covered
The two most interesting changes to me are the upguage in Boson (from an A321 to A350) and the second daily New York JFK flight. Where might the extra JFK slot have come from?
SAS remains in a state of uncertainty, still under bankruptcy protection and with a deal to be partially acquired by a conglomerate including Air France-KLM still under legal scrutiny.
However, it would not surprise me if KLM loaned SAS one of its slots to JFK (we are working to confirm this). In fact, if slot restrictions at Amsterdam Schiphol do go into effect, KLM could shift New York slots to SAS in a way in which the joint venture could benefit.
Finally, it is noteworthy that both BOS and JFK are SkyTeam, not Star Alliance, hubs. With partner award space already heavily restricted, it seems that SAS already has one foot out the door…
CONCLUSION
SAS is ramping up flights to North America and Asia in 2024, including a second JFK flight and a big upgrade to Boston. As the carrier plans a move from Star Alliance to SkyTeam, look for more service in North America to SkyTeam hubs.
image: SAS
Slot restrictions at AMS are NOT going into effect in Summer 2024. TBD on later years.
Any word on if they’re keeping Washington Dulles?
IAD service will remain.
If these slot restrictions do go into effect, KLM has a perfect way to shift service to CPH and build up that hub (versus Paris, which seems already saturated).
They’re not going into effect next summer. Period. Maybe the next summer. But not summer 2024.
Regardless, until KLM actually has the ownership stake in SK, they’re not just going to hand over the slot. And there’s no guarantee that KLM/ air france will be able to close on a deal prior to next summer. Until that happens, theyre not, just for kicks, giving a very valuable slot with high revenue potential to a carrier that will be, until they close on a deal and has been approved by regulators, a competior. They’re still competitors, they have nothing to gain until there is closure on the deal.
Wonder if SAS will still fly to Newark ((partner)/United’s hub) and now not being a part of UAL Star Alliance?