Good news travels fast, especially regarding quality and customer satisfaction. As announced during the 2023 APEX/IFSA Awards ceremony, Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) has secured a five-star airline rating in the Global Airline category of the 2024 APEX ratings. This achievement underscores the airline’s commitment to providing a top-tier air travel experience. Let’s delve into the details of this accolade and what it means for passengers choosing to fly SAS.
SAS Earns Exceptional Five-Star Rating
The Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX), a non-profit trade organization, bestows the APEX Awards on airlines that demonstrate exceptional customer satisfaction based on genuine passenger feedback and a thorough audit. This year, SAS joined the elite group of airlines worldwide to earn the APEX Five-Star Global Airline Award. The recognition was presented at a glamorous ceremony during the APEX/IFSA Global EXPO in Long Beach, California. The rating reflects SAS’s dedication to improving passenger experience. It evaluates airline experience across various factors, including seat comfort, in-flight entertainment, cabin service, and overall flight experience.
Insights from SAS Leadership
SAS President & CEO Anko van der Werff expressed pride at obtaining this recognition. “We are thrilled to achieve the highest rating in the global APEX customer ranking,” he said. “This recognition is a testament to the tireless dedication of the SAS team in ensuring safe journeys, championing sustainability initiatives, and offering the highest service standards. This award is a heartfelt thank-you to all the dedicated individuals at SAS who have worked tirelessly in getting us on our wings again. It serves as a powerful motivator to continue being Scandinavia’s preferred airline.”
SAS’s newly appointed Chief Commercial Officer, Paul Verhagen, received the award in Long Beach on behalf of the airline. He expressed his gratitude towards SAS’s valued customers for the accolade. “I am both delighted and deeply honored by this outstanding five-star rating, and I wish to extend my heartfelt thanks to all our valued customers who have voted for us,” he said. “Their trust and support mean the world to us at SAS, and this recognition is proof of our unwavering commitment to providing the ultimate travel experience. We will continue investing in cutting-edge technology, innovative services, and sustainable practices to further enhance our passengers’ journeys with us.”
A Rigorous Evaluation Process
Earning this 5-star rating isn’t easy. The APEX Five Star Airline Award is based on neutral, third-party passenger feedback. For the 2024 Awards, nearly one million flights were rated by passengers across more than 600 airlines worldwide. SAS distinguished itself through the extensive series of audits that cross-referenced and validated the findings of over one million votes.
APEX CEO Dr. Joe Leader highlighted SAS’s remarkable achievement. “SAS’s triumphant return to the best customer experience with keystone routes like Copenhagen to New York JFK has not just been a comeback but a masterclass in delivering a breathtaking customer experience,” he said. “From the ergonomics of their new seating to the innovation in their inflight entertainment, every touchpoint echoes excellence. SAS has not just revived themselves; they’ve reimagined the passenger experience of their airline. Heartfelt congratulations to the entire team at SAS for setting such a towering benchmark that has resonated so strongly in customer votes.”
What This Means for Passengers
A five-star rating from APEX signals the quality and service travelers can expect when they fly SAS. With main hubs in Copenhagen, Oslo, and Stockholm, the airline connects passengers to numerous destinations across Europe, the USA, and Asia. Moreover, SAS has been at the forefront of sustainability initiatives, aiming to become a net-zero emissions airline by 2050.
Receiving a five-star airline rating in the APEX global airline ranking is not just an achievement for Scandinavian Airlines (SAS). It is a promise to passengers that they will experience the finest air travel journey. This recognition fortifies SAS’s status as a top-tier airline, offering extraordinary experiences and setting benchmarks in the aviation industry.