SAS Polar Route Flight Achieves Nearly 20% CO2 Reduction per Passenger

Flown as part of The Aviation Challenge, SAS' recent polar route flight from Copenhagen to Los Angeles achieved a CO2 reduction of nearly 20% per passenger.

SAS Scandinavian Airlines recent polar route flight from Copenhagen to Los Angeles was flown as part of The Aviation Challenge (TAC). It resulted in a particularly noteworthy result – achieving a nearly 20 percent reduction in CO₂ emissions per passenger.

This significant result underscores the potential of strategic route planning and operational optimization in minimizing aviation’s environmental impact.

Planning the Flight

The flight’s success stemmed from careful operational planning and innovative strategies. This involved carefully managing the flight’s cargo distribution and passenger load.

SAS created a balanced configuration that minimized fuel consumption for the 285 passengers on board. Collaborative real-time coordination with air traffic control enabled dynamic adjustments to cruising altitude and flight path. This resulted in an additional 250-kilogram fuel savings.

Ground operations also played a crucial role in the sustainability effort. Optimized taxiing procedures reduced fuel consumption by over 100 kilograms compared to standard practices.

Furthermore, the flight utilized 32 tons of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). This comprised 40 percent of the total fuel used, demonstrating a tangible approach to reducing emissions on long-haul routes.

Despite these impressive achievements, SAS recognizes the complexities of widespread implementation. Air traffic path restrictions, limited SAF availability, and diverse operational conditions pose significant challenges to consistently applying these innovative techniques across all flights.

A Platform to Explore New Methodologies

Ann-Sofie Hörlin, Head of Sustainability at SAS, pointed out the significance of the Polar Route achievement. “Reducing CO₂ emissions by nearly 20 percent is a pivotal moment for us. The Aviation Challenge has provided a platform to explore new methodologies, collaborate with industry partners, and chart a course toward more sustainable aviation.”

The TAC flight exemplifies SAS’ commitment to environmental responsibility. Through continuous initiatives like fleet modernization, increased SAF integration, and refined flight operations, the airline is actively working to transform aviation’s environmental footprint.

SAS and Sustainability

Established in 1946, SAS has long been Scandinavia’s premier airline, operating from key hubs in Copenhagen, Oslo, and Stockholm.

With a mission to connect Scandinavia globally and vice versa, the airline serves over 25 million passengers annually, transporting 60,000 tons of cargo to 135 destinations across Europe, the USA, and Asia.

The company’s ambitious goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 reflects its dedication to innovation and environmental stewardship.

True to its founding philosophy—”To move from the old to what is about to come, is the only tradition worth keeping”—SAS continues to push boundaries and reimagine sustainable air travel.