This global competition celebrates groundbreaking achievements in sustainability within the airline industry, and SAS stood out with victories in Best Scaled Cargo Solution and Best Scaled FlightOps Solution.
Recognition for Innovative Cargo Solutions
In the Best Scaled Cargo Solution category, SAS Cargo was honored for its light weight support planks initiative, which significantly reduces weight and cuts fuel consumption across cargo operations. This innovative approach not only improves operational efficiency but also aligns with SAS Cargo's commitment to creating more sustainable air cargo solutions.
"Being the new 'kid on the block' in SkyTeam, we are truly honored to receive the 'Best Scaled Cargo Solution' award for the innovative light weight support planks initiative at The Aviation Challenge 2024. I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone involved. This award is a testament to the amazing sustainability work done by our SAS and SAS Cargo colleagues, customers, and partners. Sustainability is in our DNA, and it shows that working together for the environment is the best way forward," says Wibekke Risan, Lean and Environment Manager at SAS Cargo.
This recognition underscores the collaborative effort across SAS and SAS Cargo to integrate sustainability into every aspect of operations, showcasing how teamwork drives innovation and sustainable practice
A Legacy of Sustainability Leadership
SAS participated in TAC for the first time, marking the occasion with a celebration flight from Copenhagen to Los Angeles. This flight also commemorated the 70th anniversary of SAS becoming the first airline to fly over the North Pole—an achievement that set new standards for efficiency by reducing travel distances and emissions between Europe and North America.
The SAS flight to Los Angeles achieved a nearly 20% reduction in CO₂ emissions per passenger, highlighting the impact of meticulous planning and advanced route optimization. SAS was further recognized for operating the flight with the lowest CO₂ emissions, reflecting the airline’s commitment to sustainability.
Driving Innovation Through Collaboration
TAC is an annual event where SkyTeam member airlines showcase their best practices in sustainability, operational excellence, and innovation. Airlines are evaluated on CO₂ reduction, ground handling efficiency, waste minimization, and other key criteria that drive industry transformation.
SAS Cargo is particularly proud to have contributed to the success of this event by demonstrating how focused cargo operations can significantly impact sustainability metrics.
"Being recognized as a winner in the category 'Best Scaled Cargo Solution' at The Aviation Challenge 2024 is a tremendous source of pride for us. This reflects the hard work and dedication of everyone at SAS and SAS Cargo. Sustainability is truly at the heart of everything we do, and we are excited to continue driving the important sustainability transformation together with all our partners and colleagues." Says Markus Ek, CEO of SAS Cargo.
Committed to a Sustainable Future
For decades, SAS and SAS Cargo have been at the forefront of efforts to make aviation more sustainable. From optimizing resource use to introducing sustainable aviation fuel, SAS and its cargo division are committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.
Looking ahead, SAS Cargo is eager to welcome The Aviation Challenge 2025 to SAS’ global hub in Copenhagen, offering an opportunity to showcase Scandinavia's leadership in sustainability and innovation in aviation.
Together with our partners and SkyTeam member airlines, we will continue shaping the future of sustainable air cargo.
