17 May 2024

70th anniversary of the Polar Route

The first commercial flight over the North Pole revolutionized connections between Europe and the United States, making SAS a symbol of innovation and sustainability

Seventy years ago, exactly on November 15, 1954, SAS wrote a historic chapter in aviation by becoming the first airline in the world to operate a commercial flight over the North Pole. The maiden voyage, which departed Copenhagen and headed to Los Angeles, marked a transformative era for global air connections, significantly reducing travel times and fuel consumption, and establishing a revolutionary route between Europe and the United States.

The introduction of the Polar Route in 1954 not only shortened the distance between the two continents by thousands of kilometers, but also dramatically reduced operating costs and environmental impact. At the time, this was an extraordinary achievement in terms of efficiency; Today, it is considered one of the earliest examples of sustainability in aviation.

Anko van der Werff, President and CEO of SAS, said:
"The introduction of the Polar Route by SAS marked a pivotal moment for global travel, enhancing economic connections, tourism and cultural exchanges. This legacy continues to inspire our commitment to innovation and connecting people around the world, with Copenhagen still at the heart of our global network."

It took four years of intense work and creativity to develop this pioneering enterprise.

Safety was a top priority: passengers on the first flight received snowsuits and a manual on how to survive in the harsh Arctic climate.

Since that time, SAS has continued to successfully operate the Copenhagen-Los Angeles route, keeping the tradition of excellence and innovation alive.

SAS

Founded in 1946, SAS is now Scandinavia's leading airline. Headquartered at Copenhagen Airport with secondary hubs in Oslo and Stockholm, it carries more than 25 million passengers annually to 135 destinations in Europe, the USA and Asia. Innovation is at the heart of its mission: SAS has committed to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, working with partners, customers and governments to build a sustainable future for aviation. In September 2024, SAS joined SkyTeam, strengthening its global network and confirming its key role in international connections.

By Avion Tourism Magazine Editorial Staff

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