About Scandinavian Airlines Ireland (SAS Connect)
SAS Connect: Scandinavian Airlines' Irish Expansion
SAS Connect, formerly known as SAS Ireland, is a dynamic and strategic extension of the renowned Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) brand. Launched in 2017 and rebranded in 2021, SAS Connect is headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, and serves as a key part of the SAS Group’s efforts to stay competitive in the fast-evolving European aviation market.
Operating with a fleet of Airbus A320neo aircraft, SAS Connect is designed for short- and medium-haul European routes, complementing the wider SAS network. Each aircraft is configured in an all-economy layout to support high-capacity, budget-conscious travel, offering a comfortable yet efficient experience for passengers. While the airline flies under the SAS name, it functions with an independent AOC (Air Operator Certificate) and utilizes the IATA code SL and the ICAO code SZS, with the callsign SPINNAKER.
The creation of SAS Connect allowed SAS to establish a cost-effective base of operations outside of Scandinavia, enabling it to better manage labor costs and streamline operations while maintaining high service standards. From its base in Dublin, SAS Connect operates flights on behalf of SAS, connecting major European cities and enhancing connectivity across the continent.
What sets SAS Connect apart is its blend of operational efficiency and Scandinavian quality. Flights operated by SAS Connect still offer passengers access to the wider benefits of the SAS network, including frequent flyer points with EuroBonus, on-time reliability, and easy connections to intercontinental destinations via SAS’ main hubs in Copenhagen, Stockholm, and Oslo.
SAS Connect also plays a role in the group’s sustainability efforts, operating fuel-efficient Airbus A320neo aircraft to reduce emissions per passenger and meet the SAS Group’s ambitious environmental goals.
In summary, SAS Connect represents a smart evolution in SAS’s strategy—an airline built to thrive in a competitive market while keeping the trusted SAS experience intact. Whether you're flying for business or leisure across Europe, SAS Connect ensures a smooth, reliable journey as part of a world-class airline network.