New Report Highlights SAS’ €5.6 Billion Economic Impact in Denmark and Launch of Direct Copenhagen-Seattle Flight

(IN SHORT) SAS plays a crucial role in Denmark’s economy, contributing €5.6 billion to the national GDP and supporting 45,000 jobs, according to a new independent report by SEO Amsterdam Economics. The report highlights SAS’ impact on Denmark’s growth, innovation, and international connectivity, with the airline playing a key role in both direct and indirect economic contributions. The report’s release coincides with the launch of SAS’ new direct route between Copenhagen and Seattle, further enhancing the airline’s transatlantic presence.

(PRESS RELEASE) STOCKHOLM, 2025-May-21 — /Travel PR News/ — SAS plays a pivotal role in Denmark’s economic landscape, supporting tens of thousands of jobs and contributing €5.6 billion to the national GDP. These findings are part of an independent report by SEO Amsterdam Economics, highlighting the crucial role that aviation, and SAS in particular, plays in maintaining Denmark’s global connectivity and competitiveness.

The Denmark-specific extract from the broader study illustrates SAS’ substantial contribution to the country’s economy, encompassing direct operations, supply chain activities, and broader effects through trade and tourism. The report reveals that SAS supports 45,000 jobs nationwide and serves as a catalyst for growth, innovation, and international access.

“This report confirms what many already know: SAS is a driving force behind Denmark’s economy,” said Anko van der Werff, President & CEO of SAS. “The €5.6 billion contribution to GDP and the 45,000 jobs we support underline the importance of having a robust Scandinavian airline that is deeply integrated into the region, with a global perspective.”

The release of the report coincides with the launch of SAS’ new direct flight between Copenhagen and Seattle, further emphasizing the airline’s commitment to transatlantic travel and global connectivity.

Driving Growth and Global Access for Denmark

The report details SAS’ economic contributions in Denmark:

• €1.5 billion and 9,000 jobs generated by direct operations.
• €1.4 billion and 11,000 jobs driven by suppliers and employee spending.
• €2.8 billion and 25,000 jobs stemming from the broader impacts of tourism and trade.

Additionally, SAS plays a vital role in fostering economic access, supporting regional development, and enhancing global connectivity through its hub at Copenhagen Airport, Scandinavia’s main international gateway.

On a regional level, the report shows that SAS contributes €18 billion to Scandinavian GDP and supports 141,000 jobs across the region. With operations from 33 airports, over 13,000 weekly flights, and direct connections to seven of the world’s top 10 international hubs, SAS remains integral to Scandinavian connectivity.

On May 21, SAS launched direct flights between Copenhagen and Seattle, reconnecting two cities with deep historical ties and enhancing SAS’ transatlantic network. This route, SAS’ 11th North American gateway, will be operated by the Airbus A350, providing seamless connections to 39 European cities, including Berlin, Zurich, Milan, and Helsinki.

“Seattle is more than just a new destination; it’s a return to a city with historic Scandinavian ties and growing importance for business and tourism,” said Anko van der Werff. “We’re thrilled to reopen this connection and offer our customers even more access to the Atlantic.”

This new route is part of SAS’ broader expansion strategy, which also includes the launch of new destinations like Nuuk and Seoul in 2025.

Media contact:
E-mail address: press@sas.se

SOURCE: SAS AB