SAS Scandinavian Airlines Pilot Career Guide
The flag carrier of Denmark, Norway, and Sweden, SAS connects Scandinavia with the world from hubs in Copenhagen, Stockholm, and Oslo.
First Officer Salary
SEK 500,000 - SEK 800,000
Captain Salary
SEK 1,000,000 - SEK 1,500,000
Salary Progression
Year 1 FO
SEK 520,000 (≈US$50,000)
Year 5 FO
SEK 700,000 (≈US$67,000)
Year 10 Captain
SEK 1,200,000 (≈US$115,000)
Year 20 Captain
SEK 1,450,000 (≈US$139,000)
Bonuses & Perks
Minimal variable bonuses. Seniority-based pay increments. Overtime at premium rates.
Retirement
Scandinavian occupational pension schemes. Generous by global standards but under review post-restructuring.
Pilot Reviews & Ratings
Based on pilot forum data
Pros
- Excellent Scandinavian work-life balance and labor protections
- Three base options across Scandinavia
- Star Alliance membership for global travel
- Strong union representation and collective agreements
- Growing long-haul network with A350
Cons
- Pay below Western European average when adjusted for cost of living
- Airline went through Chapter 11 bankruptcy restructuring
- Scandinavian taxes are among highest in the world
- Uncertain future with Air France-KLM acquisition
- Restructuring reduced pilot benefits and pension provisions
Fleet & Routes
| Aircraft | Count | Routes |
|---|---|---|
| Airbus A319/A320/A321 | 48 | Scandinavian and European |
| Airbus A320neo/A321LR | 25 | European medium-haul |
| Airbus A330-300 | 8 | Long-haul to Americas and Asia |
| Airbus A350-900 | 8 | Long-haul premium routes |
Interview & Selection Process
Application through SAS pilot careers portal
Online aptitude and screening tests
Technical knowledge assessment
Panel interview with training and HR
Simulator evaluation on Airbus A320 or A350
Medical and background check
Pilot Lifestyle
Work Schedule
Typically 65-75 block hours/month. Scandinavian labor agreements provide generous rest and days off. 5/4 or similar roster patterns.
Home Base
Copenhagen, Stockholm, and Oslo are the three main bases. Must reside near assigned base.
Travel Benefits
Standby on SAS and Star Alliance partners. Scandinavian quality of life. Staff travel on SAS group carriers.
Commutable?
Limited — may require relocation
Hubs & Pilot Bases
Main Hubs
Pilot Bases
Union & Representation
Pilots at SAS Scandinavian Airlines are represented by SAS Pilot Group (SPG) / Danish, Norwegian, Swedish pilot unions.
Latest Developments
SAS emerged from Chapter 11 with Air France-KLM becoming major shareholder
Integration into SkyTeam alliance replacing Star Alliance membership
Fleet modernization with A321LR and A350 replacing older A340 and 737 types
Pilot Requirements
EASA ATPL
Class 1 medical
Scandinavian language preferred
EU right to work
Compare SAS Scandinavian Airlines With
Plan your SAS Scandinavian Airlines career
See what SAS Scandinavian Airlines pilots earn at every career stage, estimate training costs, and test your EASA theory knowledge.