summary
- SAS will leave Star Alliance in Q2 2024 and join Air France-KLM and SkyTeam, working with SkyTeam to benefit from enhanced services and connectivity.
- Korean Air and Asiana Airlines are in the process of a major merger that could impact their partnership and completely disrupt how the airlines will work together in the future.
Scandinavian Airlines System (SAS) is thought to switch airline alliances in the second quarter of 2024. This move would fundamentally change the dynamics of airline alliances, as SAS formed Star Alliance with Air Canada, Lufthansa, and SAS on May 12, 1997. , Thai Airways International, United Airlines.
Photo: Wirestock Creators | Shutterstock

SkyTeam Alliance History
The world’s youngest alliance has grown steadily in recent years, with the addition of Virgin Atlantic.
The fundamental change comes as Air France-KLM Group pushes ahead with its acquisition of the Scandinavian flag carrier in a bid to save the airline from bankruptcy. Some significant steps have already been taken to add service between Copenhagen and Delta’s central hub, Atlanta. DL is a major SkyTeam airline participating in a transatlantic joint venture with AF-KLM. This does not indicate that the two rival alliances will work together, but rather that the partnership will be expanded prior to the synchronization of the joint venture and his AF-KL ecosystem.
Photo: SkyTeam
In a statement issued on October 3, 2023, Anko van der Werff, President and Chief Executive Officer of SAS, said:
The agreed investment is an important milestone in our SAS FORWARD plans and our new investors believe in the potential of SAS and our company to remain at the forefront of the aviation industry for many years to come. is shown. Additionally, our move to partner with SkyTeam sets us on a clear path forward. Through the completion of this process and the opportunities provided to us as part of SkyTeam, we will be able to further enhance SAS’ services for the benefit of our colleagues, customers and communities. I look forward to building a bright future for SAS together.
His counterpart at Air France-KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Benjamin Smith, said:
Today is a big day for SAS and Air France-KLM Royal Dutch Airlines. We are pleased to be part of the winning consortium selected by the SAS Board of Directors. Air France KLM is looking forward to establishing a strong commercial relationship with SAS. With its established position and strong brand in Scandinavia, SAS offers great potential for Air France-KLM Royal Dutch Airlines. This cooperation will allow Air France-KLM to strengthen its position in Northern Europe and improve connectivity for travelers in Scandinavia and Europe. We look forward to being a part of this next chapter in SAS’ history and appreciate the confidence of the SAS Board of Directors.
SAS’ alliance change may come as a surprise to some, but it will ultimately benefit frequent fliers who can enjoy all the benefits of Flying Blue membership and redeem miles on SkyTeam partner airlines. It will be profitable.
Will there be another alliance exchange coming soon?
Most readers will be aware of the impending merger between Korean Air and Asiana Airlines. If the deal goes through, it would be one of the most important mergers in aviation history. The new entity will have a total of more than 200 active aircraft.
Unlike the SAS acquisition, this is a complete merger. This means that Korean Air will take over the operations of Asiana Airlines. It is said that both airlines will continue to operate under different names, but some steps have been taken to smooth out the process. For example, only Korean Air maintains flights. cargo business. The hypothesis that Asiana will also leave Star Alliance can be omitted. However, nothing has been confirmed at this time and the entire process still awaits approval from all important antitrust bodies.

Merger between Korean Air and Asiana Airlines: What’s the latest information?
Four routes to Europe and its cargo division are to be sold, paving the way for European Union antitrust approval.
What do you think about SAS leaving Star Alliance? Could something similar happen in Korea? Let us know in the comments section below.