SAS and the Norwegian armed forces signs new agreement for strategic evacuation

The Norwegian Armed Forces have on March 4 signed a new agreement with SAS for strategic air evacuation. The agreement ensures continued capacity for strategic air evacuation using SAS’ latest Airbus A320neo aircraft. This will follow the phase-out of the current aircraft and transition to the new agreement will take place in 2025.

The agreement between Norwegian Armed Forces and SAS consists of two parts: a cooperation agreement to design a A320neo based solution and an agreement covering operational assignments.

“We are honoured that the Norwegian Armed Forces have selected SAS for future evacuation missions, building on several years of joint assignments across the world. While the currently used aircraft has served us well, it is now time for the next-generation, lower-emission A320neo to continue these proud assignments together with our highly skilled and dedicated staff. Contributing to the safe transport of citizens across the world when crisis strikes is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we are grateful for the trust placed in us by the Norwegian Defense through this work,” says Paul Verhagen, Chief Commercial Officer at SAS.

The A320neo is a regular passenger plane and – once the new design is finalized – can be converted into a flying hospital, with medical equipment and hospital beds. SAS’ Airbus A320neo has around 18% lower CO2 emissions compared to the aircraft it replaces. Additionally, there is 30% less noise in these aircraft, creating a more favourable environment for evacuees and crew on board.

SAS has a 25-year history of taking part in evacuation assignments, with missions such as the tsunami in Thailand, and evacuation missions from Afghanistan, Moira refugee camp and Ukrainian patients.

SAS names Ginger Hughes as new Chief Transformation Officer and Paul Verhagen as new Chief Commercial Officer.

SAS appoints Ginger Hughes as Chief Transformation Officer. Hughes brings a lot of experience from her advisory role at Seabury, where she has guided SAS through the Chapter 11 process for over a year.

“With a remarkable three-decade-long career advising airlines worldwide, Ginger Hughes has been instrumental in shaping strategic transformations, restructuring endeavours, aircraft procurement and financing, cost optimization strategies, loyalty programs, and alliance initiatives. Ginger will be instrumental in driving SAS transformation journey successfully forward and it’s with great pleasure I welcome her onboard”, says SAS President & CEO, Anko van der Werff.

Hughes assumed her role on September 1st 2023.

"As I step into this role, I am humbled by the legacy of this airline. It’s with great anticipation and pleasure, I embrace the responsibility to drive SAS successfully through this very important transformational journey, and I look forward to being part of SAS soaring to new horizons of success”, says Ginger Hughes.

SAS is also announcing the appointment of Dutch native Paul Verhagen as new Chief Commercial Officer. Paul brings with him 25 years of executive experience in the airline and hospitality industries, having worked in 11 different countries across Europe, the Americas, the Caribbean, and Asia. Paul’s diverse commercial leadership positions include serving as the Deputy Chief Executive Officer at Iberojet Airlines, as well as holding the role of Senior Vice President of Global Sales Strategy & Channels at Aeromexico. Paul also comes with previous Scandinavian experience as he was Regional Director for Norway, Finland & the Baltic States at Air France KLM.

Verhagen assumed his role on August 14th, 2023.

“We are thrilled to welcome Paul to the SAS family. With his extensive global aviation industry experience and diverse commercial leadership background, he brings a wealth of knowledge and Paul's addition to the executive management team will undoubtedly be a pivotal factor in propelling SAS to new heights of competitiveness on the global airline stage,” says Anko van der Werff

In his new position, Paul will be responsible for sales across all channels, brand, customer communication and product and loyalty under one organization. This holistic approach aligns with SAS's commitment to foster growth and drive profitability.

"It's an immense honour to be part of an airline with such a rich legacy and promising future. SAS's journey resonates with me deeply, and I am committed to contributing to its strategic priorities, from remaining Scandinavia's preferred airline to championing cost competitiveness and sustainability leadership,” says Paul Verhagen.