SAS has announced that on March 4, 2024, they signed a new agreement with the Norwegian Armed Forces for strategic air evacuation. The new agreement will take place in 2025, and will be supported by SAS’ latest Airbus A320neo aircraft.
On Friday (March 8, 2024), SAS announced that they have signed a new agreement with the Norwegian Armed Forces for strategic air evacuation using SAS’ latest Airbus A320neo aircraft. Taking effect in 2025, when SAS has phased out the previous generation aircraft, the agreement consists of two parts. First, the parties will cooperate to design an A320neo-based solution for air evacuation, and the second part of the agreement covers operational assignments. Once the design is finalized, the regular passenger A320neo will be able to be converted into a flying hospital with medical equipment and hospital beds.
In Friday’s announcement, SAS’ Chief Commercial Officer, Paul Verhagen, said,
“We are honored that the Norwegian Armed Forces have selected SAS for future evacuation missions, building on several years of joint assignments across the world. While the currently used aircraft has served us well, it is now time for the next-generation, lower-emission A320neo to continue these proud assignments together with our highly skilled and dedicated staff. Contributing to the safe transport of citizens across the world when crisis strikes is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we are grateful for the trust placed in us by the Norwegian Defense through this work.”
Also commenting on the new air evacuation agreement, the Norwegian Defense Logistics Organization’s Commander, Brigadier General Anders Jernberg, said,
“With this agreement, the capacity for evacuation and repatriation of sick or wounded civilians and military personnel, including intensive care patients, is strengthened for national and international operations, from and to airports in all parts of the world.”
Brigadier General Petter Iverson, Commander of the Norwegian Armed Forces Joint Medical Services, added,
“The collaboration is unique. Private business and the Armed Forces come together to form a total defense capacity. Ensuring the ability to carry out strategic air evacuation is important for the Norwegian Armed Forces, as well as from an international perspective and society at large.”
SAS Signs Agreement With the Norwegian Armed Forces for Air Evacuation Capacity - Courtesy SAS/Cision
SAS has taken part in evacuations for 25 years, including missions such as the tsunami in Thailand and evacuation missions from Afghanistan, as well as the evacuation of Moira camp and Ukrainian patients. In addition to the Norwegian Armed Forces’ own resources, SAS will establish capacity for the use of two medical evacuation aircraft.
SAS is the leading airline in Scandinavia, with main hubs in Copenhagen, Oslo and Stockholm, and flying to destinations in Europe, the U.S. and Asia. The company aims to be a driving force in sustainable aviation and in the transition towards net zero emissions by 2050. SAS also offers ground handling services, technical maintenance and air cargo services. Additionally, the carrier is a founding member of the Star Alliance, and together with partner airlines offers an extensive worldwide network.
Source: SAS/Cision
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