Norwegian Health Authorities Partner with SAS for Patient Travel Services

In a significant development for healthcare logistics in Norway, SAS has emerged victorious in the recently concluded tender process. The airline secured a substantial portion of the specialist health service’s air travel volume. This award positions SAS as the primary carrier for healthcare-related travel across all of its routes within Norway. The contract covers essential patient and service travel between the nation’s most frequented cities.

*SAS wins contract with Norwegian health authority for patient travel services.*

The collaboration underscores SAS’s commitment to providing reliable health service transportation. Patients and healthcare professionals can rely on efficient and convenient air travel to support medical needs and service delivery across Norwegian cities.

“We are happy and proud that the healthcare institutions show us this trust. The contract includes some of our most significant flights, with passengers going to and from important health care. In an elongated country like Norway, it is crucial that such infrastructure works. That SAS is awarded such a large share of the assignment underlines the competitiveness of our offer, and we must show ourselves worthy of this trust,” says CEO of SAS Kjetil Håbjørg.

SAS Patient Travel Services Contract Valued at NOK 214 Million

SAS emerged as the top pick for Norway’s main air routes. It will ensure travel between major cities like Oslo, Stavanger, Bergen, Trondheim, Bodø, and Tromsø is smoother and more reliable. Patients and healthcare service personnel will benefit from flights operated on SAS’s Airbus A320 and Embraer 195 aircraft. Both models represent some of the most modern fleets in Europe today.

Notably, the Airbus A320 neo models are a testament to the airline’s environmental commitment. They have about 18% lower CO2 emissions when compared to their predecessors and reduce noise levels by up to 30%. This initiative reflects a stride towards sustainable aviation, critical for the future of environmental conservation and mindful travel.

The contract with Norway’s healthcare institutions is valued at an estimated NOK 214 million annually (about US$20m). With a start date set for April 1, 2024, it could extend up to 4 years. The decision to select the airline was largely influenced by competitive pricing and the frequency of available flights.

About SAS

Scandinavian Airlines System, commonly known as SAS, is the flagship carrier of Scandinavia. The airline maintains strategic hubs located in Oslo, Copenhagen, and Stockholm. With an expansive network, SAS connects travelers to various destinations across Europe, the United States, and Asia. Drawing inspiration from its Scandinavian roots and a commitment to sustainability, SAS is actively leading the charge towards eco-friendly aviation to achieve zero-emission flights.

Based on minimizing its carbon footprint, SAS has adopted a series of measures demonstrating its dedication to environmental stewardship. By consistently enhancing its fleet with more fuel-efficient aircraft and integrating sustainable aviation fuel into its operations. SAS collaborates with partners on technological innovations and advances the sustainability agenda within the aviation sector. These efforts underscore its commitment to meeting the industry-wide ambition of net-zero CO2 emissions by 2050.

SAS’s portfolio extends beyond air transportation, encompassing ground handling services, technical maintenance solutions, and air freight logistics. As one of the founding members of the Star Alliance™, SAS extends its reach globally. It collaborates with partner airlines to offer customers an even wider array of travel destinations worldwide.