SAS, Braathens Regional Forge Wet Lease Alliance

DALLAS — SAS Scandinavian Airlines (SK) and Braathens Regional Airways AB (TF) have announced a new long-term wet lease agreement to improve domestic air connectivity across Sweden. 

This collaboration will see TF operating several aircraft on behalf of SAS, focusing on key domestic routes and connections to SK’s Copenhagen hub. The goal is to ensure reliable, efficient travel for Swedish passengers while enhancing regional services and boosting operational efficiency.

As part of the agreement, TF's fleet will complement SK’s existing operations, strengthening the network from Stockholm Arlanda Airport (ARN) and expanding access for local communities.

Arlanda is the largest airport in Sweden and the third-largest airport in the Nordic countries. As such, ARN is a major gateway to international air travel for large parts of Sweden. This strategic partnership will help improve domestic and international connectivity, providing more options for travelers across the country.

The news comes two weeks after SK officially joined SkyTeam. The airline, originally a founding member of Star Alliance, can now serve the southernmost and northernmost commercial airports in the world.

Comments from Airline, Airport Officials

SAS CEO Anko van der Werff emphasized the partnership's importance, highlighting its role in enhancing Swedish infrastructure and positioning ARN as a critical hub. He noted that this collaboration would allow SK to offer more frequent and seamless connections between major cities and regional destinations, benefiting business and leisure travelers.

Braathens Chairman Per G. Braathen expressed pride in partnering with SK, underlining the role the alliance will play in ensuring domestic air services, which are essential for Sweden's economic and regional development. The partnership is expected to contribute to improved travel experiences for passengers nationwide.

"This announcement means that domestic flights will be concentrated at Stockholm Arlanda Airport, which will create conditions for more efficent domestic air travel with better transfer possibilities in the long term. At the same time, Bromma Stockholm Airport will basically have no regular traffic," says Jonas Abrahamsson, Swedavia's President and CEO.

Bromma (BMA) is a well-maintained and efficient airport, valued by many passengers. However, Abrahamsson says its capacity utilization has been low for several years. As a result, consolidating air traffic at ARN is a "natural step."

SAS Returns to Seattle

In related news, SK is launching a new route to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), featuring five nonstop flights per week from Copenhagen Airport (CPH) as part of its summer 2025 schedule.

This is a significant milestone, marking the resumption of service between the two cities 57 years after the inaugural flight. SK suspended the SEA service in 2009. At the time, the carrier operated the route with an Airbus A340-300.

By adding SEA back to its network, SK will provide nonstop service to 11 North American destinations, further strengthening its global reach from CPH, which serves as a major international gateway for Scandinavia and Northern Europe.