PARIS — Air France-KLM is initiating proceedings to take a majority stake in SAS.

The group currently holds a 19.9% stake in the Scandinavian carrier and since summer 2024, has implemented a commercial cooperation between SAS, Air France and KLM in the form of extended codeshare and interline agreements, further strengthened by SAS joining the SkyTeam alliance.

Provided all the necessary conditions are met, Air France-KLM would fully acquire the stakes held by Castlelake and Lind Invest, bringing its own stake to 60.5%. The Danish State would retain its 26.4% stake in SAS and its seats on the board of directors.

Subject to the obtaining of all the necessary regulatory clearances and satisfaction of all conditions precedent, the ambition is to close in the second half of 2026.

The acquisition of this majority stake would give Air France-KLM control of SAS, which would become a subsidiary of the Air France-KLM Group.

This new step would allow Air France-KLM and SAS to fully unlock their synergy potential via a comprehensive integration in all areas of business, including loyalty, and would extend beyond commercial activities.

The group would hold the majority of seats on the airline’s board of directors.

“We are excited by the prospect of fully welcoming SAS into the Air France-KLM family,” said Benjamin Smith, CEO, Air France-KLM. “Following their successful restructuring, SAS has delivered impressive performance, and we are confident that the airline’s potential will continue to grow through deeper integration within the Air France-KLM Group. This operation would benefit our customers and all Scandinavians who would enjoy enhanced connectivity, as well as the SAS teams whose dedication has been key to restore their airline to its rightful place. They would join a group of airlines united by a shared commitment to excellence and a more sustainable future for air transport. We look forward to this new chapter in our shared journey.”