The Board of Directors of SAS today announces that President & CEO Anko van der Werff has informed the Board that he will leave SAS at the beginning of 2027 to take up the position of Chief Executive Officer of Air Canada.
Van der Werff will remain in his current role until departure, ensuring stability and continuity as SAS continues to execute its strategic priorities and deliver reliable operations and a high-quality experience for customers, colleagues and stakeholders. SAS will continue operating according to its established plan, with full focus on ongoing delivery and strategic progress. The Board will now initiate the process of appointing his successor.
Since Anko van der Werff joined SAS in 2021, SAS has undergone a significant transformation, completed a comprehensive restructuring and substantially strengthened both its financial and operational position. The relentless focus on operational performance and reliability has positioned SAS as the most punctual airline in the world.
Customer experience has been enhanced across service delivery and onboard experience, supported by continued investment in products, connectivity and fleet, including the recently announced record order of up to 40 Airbus widebody aircraft, the largest fleet investment in SAS’ history, reinforcing long-term operational excellence and reliability.
During this period, SAS has joined SkyTeam, strengthening its position within a leading global airline alliance and opening a new chapter for the company through broader international connectivity and closer cooperation with partner airlines.
Looking ahead, SAS remains fully focused on executing its strategy and building on the progress achieved in recent years. Key priorities include deepening cooperation with SkyTeam partners, further strengthening operational excellence and reliability, and delivering a consistent and high-quality travel experience for customers across its network.
2026 also marks SAS’ 80th anniversary, reflecting eight decades of connecting Scandinavia with the world and the world with Scandinavia.
Comment from Kåre Schultz, Chairman of the Board of SAS
“On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank Anko for his strong leadership and commitment during a highly demanding transformation period. He has played a central role in building a stronger and more competitive SAS with a clear direction and important opportunities ahead.
We respect his decision, while naturally regretting his departure.
Importantly, he will remain in his role until the beginning of 2027, ensuring stability and continuity as SAS continues to execute its strategy.”
Comment from Anko van der Werff, President & CEO of SAS
“This has not been an easy decision. I have greatly valued my time at SAS and the opportunity to work alongside so many dedicated colleagues.
Over the past years, we have navigated a highly demanding period together and made substantial progress in strengthening the company. Many of the key building blocks are now in place, and SAS is well positioned for the next phase of its development.
Until I leave at the beginning of 2027, my focus remains on SAS. There are important priorities ahead, and I remain fully committed to delivering reliable operations and a high-quality experience for customers, colleagues and stakeholders every day.”
For more information, please contact:
SAS Press Office: +46 8 797 2944
SAS, Scandinavia's leading airline since 1946, operates a global hub at Copenhagen Airport (CPH), complemented by hubs in Oslo (OSL) and Stockholm (ARN).
Our mission is to connect Scandinavia with the world and the world with Scandinavia. Each year, SAS serves more than 25 million passengers and transports 55,000 tons of cargo to 135 destinations across Europe, the USA, and Asia. With a relentless focus on operational excellence, SAS ranks as one of the most punctual airlines in Europe and the world. Together with a passionate workforce of over 10,000 colleagues, we collaborate with partners and customers to drive transformative changes in aviation. We are committed to significantly reduce CO₂ emissions from our flight operations in line with international aviation climate frameworks, embodying the visionary spirit of our founders: “To move from the old to what is about to come, is the only tradition worth keeping.”
SAS joined SkyTeam in September 2024, and together with our partner airlines, we offer a wide network worldwide.
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