Examining Scandinavian Airlines’ Top 5 US-Bound Routes By Available Seat Miles

Scandinavian Airlines (SAS), a significant player in the European aviation market, has strategically positioned itself as a critical connector between Scandinavia and the United States.

In the face of evolving market dynamics and challenges such as fluctuating demand and increasing competition (and some concerning financial troubles) , SAS relies on its core transatlantic routes to sustain its business model.

By analyzing the top five US-bound routes by Available Seat Miles (ASM), we can gain insight into how SAS leverages its transatlantic operations to optimize revenue and maintain market relevance.

ASM, a measure of airline capacity, combines the number of available seats with the distance flown, providing a clear picture of an airline’s operational scope and revenue potential.

Based on recent data from Cirium, an aviation analytics company, here are SAS’s top five US-bound routes by ASM:

1

Copenhagen to Los Angeles (CPH-LAX)

9,000 seats available

The Copenhagen to Los Angeles route emerges as SAS’s most significant US-bound route by ASM, reflecting its high capacity and demand. Covering 5,624 miles, this route is crucial for connecting Scandinavia with the US West Coast, serving business and leisure travellers. Operating 30 times a month with 9,000 seats available, this route achieves an impressive ASM of 50,616,000 for September 2024.

Photo: Minh K Tran | Shutterstock

The high ASM underscores the route’s importance in SAS’s network, providing access to a significant global hub known for its tourism, entertainment, and technology industries. The consistent demand on this route, driven by both Scandinavian and American travelers, reflects a robust transatlantic market that SAS continues to exploit successfully.

SAS has a robust long haul fleet according to FlightRadar24:

2

Copenhagen to Boston (CPH-BOS)

9,000 seats available

The Copenhagen to Boston route is another vital component of SAS’s US network. At 3,670 miles, this route offers 9,000 monthly seats across 30 operations, achieving an ASM of 33,030,000 for September 2024.

Boston is a crucial destination for educational and business travel, with many Scandinavian students and professionals frequently traveling to and from the region.

The route’s strategic positioning allows SAS to serve a diverse passenger base, including academics, business executives, and tourists. The relatively shorter distance and high seat availability ensure this route remains a steady performer, contributing significantly to SAS’s transatlantic operations and revenue.

3

San Francisco to Copenhagen (SFO-CPH)

7,860 seats available

The San Francisco to Copenhagen route is another critical link in SAS’s US operations. This route spans 5,487 miles and operates with 7,860 seats available, with over 30 operations per month.

The resulting ASM of 43,127,820 for September 2024 highlights the route’s significance for business travel, particularly in sectors such as technology and finance, with strong ties between the US and Scandinavian markets.

Photo: sockagphoto/Shutterstock

San Francisco’s role as a significant tech hub aligns well with Copenhagen’s growing reputation as a center for innovation and business, facilitating a steady flow of travelers between these two cities. This route’s capacity and strategic importance demonstrate SAS’s commitment to maintaining robust connectivity between vital economic regions.

SAS flies to a variety of long-haul destinations:

• Newark (EWR) – New Jersey, USA
• Chicago O’Hare (ORD) – Illinois, USA
• San Francisco (SFO) – California, USA
• Los Angeles (LAX) – California, USA
• Washington Dulles (IAD) – Virginia, USA
• Boston (BOS) – Massachusetts, USA
• Miami (MIA) – Florida, USA
• Toronto (YYZ) – Ontario, Canada
• Tokyo Haneda (HND) – Japan
• Shanghai Pudong (PVG) – China
• Beijing Capital (PEK) – China

4

Atlanta to Copenhagen (ATL-CPH)

7,860 seats available

The Atlanta to Copenhagen route ranks third in SAS’s US-bound routes by ASM, covering 4,603 miles. With 30 operations per month and a total seat capacity of 7,860, this route generates an ASM of 36,179,580 for September 2024. Atlanta’s significance as a major international airport and a key business city makes this route particularly valuable for SAS.

Photo: Pascal Pigeyre | Airbus

By connecting Scandinavia with the southeastern United States, SAS taps into a market that includes business and leisure travelers. The consistent performance of this route indicates strong demand, supported by Atlanta’s role as a transportation hub for Delta Air Lines now that Scandinavian Airlines will become a Sky Team member.

The relatively lower distance compared to the top two routes is balanced by the high frequency and seat capacity, ensuring its place among SAS’s most important transatlantic connections. Amid the restructuring, Atlanta is one SAS’s latest destinations.

A list of SAS’s long-haul hubs:

• Copenhagen Airport (CPH) – Denmark
• Stockholm Arlanda Airport (ARN) – Sweden
• Oslo Gardermoen Airport (OSL) – Norway

5

Stockholm to Newark (ARN-EWR)

7,980 seats available

Completing the top five, the Stockholm to Newark route covers 3,930 miles and operates with a capacity of 7,980 monthly seats across 30 operations, resulting in an ASM of 31,361,400 for September 2024.

Newark Liberty International Airport

is a crucial gateway to the New York metropolitan area, one of the world’s most significant economic and cultural hubs.

This route’s importance is driven by solid demand from business and leisure travelers, reflecting New York’s status as a global center for finance, media, and culture. The consistent ASM performance of this route underlines its value within SAS’s network, ensuring robust connectivity between Scandinavia and the northeastern

United States

.