Flag-carrier Scandinavian Airlines, better known as SAS, is to leave Star Alliance later this year in order to join rival SkyTeam. SAS will remain in Star Alliance through August 31, 2024, with membership of SkyTeam commencing the following day.

The airline has said that it is in negotiations with SkyTeam and its member carriers to develop and grow extensive commercial relationships.

“We are thrilled to progress on our alliance transition journey and pave the way for delightful new destinations and loyalty program benefits across the world. Our focus now is to guide customers and our EuroBonus members on each step during this transition. We look forward to sharing more details as our journey progresses, with the aim to create a smooth transition to an exciting travel future with us,” says Chief Commercial Officer at SAS, Paul Verhagen.

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We have worked closely with both Star Alliance and SkyTeam and many of their members over the last 6 months to ensure a smooth transition for all customers and our EuroBonus members. All customer benefits of Star Alliance, including earn and burn of EuroBonus points, lounge access and other benefits along the customer journey will remain through August 31, 2024. EuroBonus will remain SAS’ loyalty program, also after SAS leaves Star Alliance, he concluded.

SAS is one of the founding members of Star Alliance, along with Thai Airways, United, Air Canada and Lufthansa at its inauguration in 1997.  The quintet formed the original ‘five points’ of the star logo.

The airline has also announced that it will defer the interest payments due April 23 and 26, 2024, respectively, on its perpetual capital securities, as part of its voluntary chapter 11 process in the US and the company reorganisation proceeding in Sweden.