SAS Inaugurates Atlanta–Copenhagen Route, Embracing its Future with SkyTeam Alliance
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On June 17, Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) celebrated a significant milestone with the inauguration of its first-ever direct flight from Copenhagen to Atlanta, the busiest airport in the world with over 100 million annual passengers. The event at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport marked a new chapter for SAS, reflecting its strategic expansion and the airline’s upcoming transition from Star Alliance to SkyTeam.
After arriving to Atlanta on the inaugural flight, SAS President & CEO Anko van der Werff expressed his excitement and gratitude to a warmly welcoming crowd and media: “Every single new flight feels like having a new baby. This is our ninth destination in North America, and we’re very proud and happy to be here. It’s great to see some friends that we know from the industry – Joe Leader of APEX is here today. Thank you all for your support,” said van der Werff addressing the audience and press, highlighting the strong relationship between SAS and the Airline Passenger Experience Association.
Insights from SAS’s Chief Commercial Officer
In an interview with APEX Insights, SAS Chief Commercial Officer Paul Verhagen shared his excitement about the new route and the airline’s future plans. “I’ve done many inaugural flights, but this one will always be special. Building bridges and opening new destinations is what it’s all about when you’re an employee of an airline, especially when it is to Atlanta, the biggest airport in the world,” he said.
“Building bridges and opening new destinations is what it’s all about when you’re an employee of an airline.”
Paul Verhagen, SAS
Addressing the route’s initial success, Verhagen elaborated on SAS’s joining SkyTeam in September. “We’re in the low 90s [percentage load factor]. That is actually for the weeks and months to come, which are indeed the main weeks and months that we’re in this bridge situation of still in Star [Alliance] and not yet fully in partnership with Delta. So that actually gives us even more hope that this flight will be very successful.”
Verhagen also highlighted that over 80 percent of passengers on the route thus far have either Atlanta or Copenhagen as their final destination, further powering the profitability of the route alongside the flight’s fully utilized cargo capacity.
Looking to the future, Verhagen said, “The transition to SkyTeam will open up new avenues for us, especially in markets like Central and South America where we have limited presence currently. Our partnership with Delta will significantly enhance our connectivity.”
Upgrading Atlanta from the A330 to the A350
Verhagen also shared details about the Airbus A350’s introduction on this route during the winter, despite reducing frequency from seven flights per week to five: “Since we are flying those five frequencies with a bigger aircraft, the capacity remains the same for winter versus summer. But again, we do expect that comes winter and the Delta partnership, we will be able to fill that capacity.”
At the event, APEX Group CEO Dr. Joe Leader commented on his upcoming flight to Copenhagen, noting, “SAS’s current use of the A330 aircraft provides an excellent experience for passengers for their entry into Atlanta. I am even more excited to experience SAS’s upgraded Airbus A350 Business Class on my upcoming flight to Copenhagen this September with renowned comfort, cutting-edge amenities, and exceptional service that will undoubtedly make the journey as remarkable as the alliance milestone we will be celebrating.”
“I am particularly excited to experience SAS’s upgraded Airbus A350 Business Class on my upcoming flight to Copenhagen for the airline’s entry into SkyTeam this September.”
Dr. Joe Leader, APEX Group CEO
The decision to introduce the Airbus A350 on the route reflects SAS’s commitment to providing an enhanced passenger experience. Verhagen noted, “The A350 is our flagship aircraft, offering greater comfort and efficiency. We are confident that this upgrade will be well-received by our passengers.”
SAS’s Airbus A350 features lie-flat seats with direct aisle access in business class, high-definition screens brimming with in-flight entertainment and gourmet dining options that include Scandinavian cuisine and fine wines. Passengers can also enjoy high-speed in-flight Wi-Fi and specialized mood lighting to reduce jet lag.
Economic and Cultural Impacts
Jesper Møller Sørensen, Ambassador of Denmark to the United States, highlighted the broader implications of the new route at the event in Atlanta. “This new connection is a testament to the hard work and dedication of so many people and organizations. It shows that with a shared vision, distance is just a minor detail. Economically, this route is a big deal too. It’s going to boost tourism and make business collaboration even smoother.”
“This route will bring people together, create unforgettable memories, new opportunities, and perhaps even spark international romances.”
Jesper Møller Sørensen, Ambassador of Denmark to the United States
“Starting today, getting from Atlanta’s vibrant streets to Copenhagen’s picturesque canals will be a breeze. This route will bring people together, create unforgettable memories, new opportunities, and perhaps even spark international romances,” he continued.
Sørensen also pointed out the environmental benefits of the new route. “By connecting these two major cities directly, we reduce the need for connecting flights, which in turn helps to lower carbon emissions. It’s a win-win for both passengers and the planet.”
Local Support and Collaboration
Balram Bheodari, General Manager of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, publicly welcomed the SAS team and praised the new route’s potential. “A flight like SAS’s opens economic opportunities for many countries and regions. We are thrilled to have you here! This is a great accomplishment for us.”
Bheodari shared the enthusiasm of the airport staff and local community. “Our team has worked tirelessly to ensure that this new route operates smoothly. We look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on our local economy and international connections.”
Anticipating Future Success
The event concluded with optimism about the future of SAS and its impact on both regions. LaChandra Butler Burks, COO for the City of Atlanta, stated, “[T]his partnership increases the knowledge base for all parties involved and connects the people, businesses, economies, and cultures of both regions.”
As SAS transitions to SkyTeam, the airline anticipates enhanced connectivity and growth. Verhagen concluded, “We will have a broader network scope than we’ve had so far, offering more connectivity that today we have not been able to offer yet.”
“We will have a broader network scope than we’ve had so far, offering more connectivity that today we have not been able to offer yet.”
Paul Verhagen, SAS
The launch of the Atlanta–Copenhagen route exemplifies SAS’s commitment to innovation and excellence. The airline continues to invest in sustainable practices, such as the use of sustainable aviation fuel. SAS also plans to enhance customer service by introducing new digital tools designed to improve the passenger experience, providing travelers with real-time information and personalized services. ONe way it has done so is with its award-winning redesigned mobile app.
Read more about SAS’s future plans here.