In this episode, we talk to Anko van der Werff, President & CEO of Scandinavian Airlines (SAS), who shares insights into the airline’s ambitious sustainability initiatives and how they’re shaped by the unique environmental consciousness of Scandinavia.

SAS, a longstanding Scandinavian carrier, faces distinct challenges and opportunities in its sustainability journey due to the region’s deep-rooted environmental awareness and geographical characteristics. Van der Werff discusses:

1. The profound impact of Scandinavian environmental consciousness on SAS’s sustainability strategy, which goes beyond compliance to integrate sustainability into all aspects of operations.
2. The critical role of aviation in Scandinavia, serving as an essential connector for the region’s dispersed population across large, elongated countries.
3. SAS’s three-pillar approach to achieve sustainable aviation: Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), electric aviation, and hydrogen technology.
4. The airline’s Conscious Traveler program, which educates and incentivises passengers to make sustainable choices, including the option to purchase SAF.
5. The airline’s bold move into electric aviation, including a partnership with Heart Aerospace and the sale of tickets for a fully electric flight scheduled for 2028.

Throughout the conversation, van der Werff emphasises the delicate balance SAS must strike between maintaining essential air connectivity and leading in sustainability efforts. Looking to the future, he expresses optimism about technological advancements in electric and hydrogen aviation, while acknowledging the challenges of high costs and the need for industry-wide collaboration to scale up sustainable solutions.

If you LOVED this episode, you’ll also love the conversation we had with Anders Forslund, CEO of Heart Aerospace. Check it out here. 

Learn more about the innovators who are navigating the industry’s challenges to make sustainable aviation a reality, in our new book ‘Sustainability in the Air’. Click here to learn more.

Feel free to reach out via email to podcast@simpliflying.com. For more content on sustainable aviation, visit our website green.simpliflying.com and join the movement. It’s about time.

Links & More:

EuroBonus conscious traveler - SAS

Scandinavian Airline SAS taking bookings for first electric flight on ES-30 aircraft in 2028 - Aviation International News 

Restructured SAS formally joins SkyTeam after withdrawal from Star Alliance - Flight Global 

First swedish airport joins SAS’ corporate sustainability program - Simple Flying

SAS successfully emerges from restructuring, poised for a new era as Scandinavia’s leading airline - Aviation24.be