← All airlines

SAS Scandinavian Airlines vs Norwegian Air Shuttle

A side-by-side comparison of pilot careers at SAS Scandinavian Airlines (SK) and Norwegian Air Shuttle (DY) — covering salary, fleet, requirements, and more.

Head-to-Head Comparison

SAS Scandinavian Airlines
Norwegian Air Shuttle
Country
Sweden/Denmark/Norway
Norway
Airline Type
Major Airline
Low-Cost Carrier
IATA Code
SK
DY
Regulatory Authority
EASA
EASA
First Officer Salary
SEK 500,000 - SEK 800,000
NOK 450,000 - NOK 700,000
Captain Salary
SEK 1,000,000 - SEK 1,500,000
NOK 900,000 - NOK 1,300,000
Fleet
Airbus A319/320/321/330/350
Boeing 737 MAX

Requirements Comparison

SAS Scandinavian Airlines

  • EASA ATPL
  • Class 1 medical
  • Scandinavian language preferred
  • EU right to work

Norwegian Air Shuttle

  • EASA ATPL
  • Class 1 medical
  • Boeing 737 type rating
  • Scandinavian language preferred

Pros & Cons

SAS Scandinavian Airlines

Pros

  • +Simplified fleet — fewer type ratings needed

Cons

  • Local language proficiency preferred

Norwegian Air Shuttle

Pros

  • +Faster career progression
  • +Simplified fleet — fewer type ratings needed

Cons

  • Higher workload with quick turnarounds
  • Local language proficiency preferred
  • Type rating required before application

About Each Airline

SAS Scandinavian Airlines

The flag carrier of Denmark, Norway, and Sweden, SAS connects Scandinavia with the world from hubs in Copenhagen, Stockholm, and Oslo.

Full SAS Scandinavian Airlines career guide →

Norwegian Air Shuttle

Scandinavia's largest low-cost carrier, operating short and medium-haul routes across Europe.

Full Norwegian Air Shuttle career guide →

Calculate Your Salary

Model your earning potential at SAS Scandinavian Airlines or Norwegian Air Shuttle based on your experience, ratings, and career stage.

Salary Calculator

Test Your Knowledge

Study EASA theory questions with our free interactive quiz.

Practice Quiz