Air France-KLM is in advanced talks to increase its ownership in SAS Scandinavian Airlines and potentially gain a majority stake in the airline, as confirmed by CEO Benjamin Smith.
The plan is to shift from the current 19pc stake to a controlling stake, with discussions already at an advanced stage.
Potential competition policy issues are not expected, but if a majority stake is acquired, slot surrender may be required at Amsterdam Schiphol due to dominance on Scandinavia-bound routes.
As part of SAS’s transition to the SkyTeam alliance, aligning schedules with member airlines like Air France, KLM, Delta, and Virgin Atlantic is underway, with hopes that SAS will eventually join their transatlantic joint venture.
