Four years of Medevac missions: SAS and Norwegian Armed Forces transport more than 3,500 patients from Ukraine

February 24, 2026 10:41

Regulatory information

Since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, SAS and the Norwegian Armed Forces have operated near-weekly medical evacuation flights, transporting more than 3,500 wounded Ukrainian soldiers and civilians to hospitals across Europe under the EU Civil Protection Mechanism. Four years on, this partnership remains one of the most important humanitarian operations for SAS in modern history.

Using a specially configured Boeing 737 converted into a flying hospital, SAS crews work side by side with medical personnel from the Norwegian Armed Forces Medical Services (NAFMS). Together, they have carried out more than 180 missions under the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, providing a critical lifeline for patients in need of urgent care.

“These missions are unlike most operations in commercial aviation. They are built on a civil–military partnership grounded in more than 25 years of cooperation, shared values and trust between SAS and the Norwegian Armed Forces — and on a simple principle: when patients need to move safely and quickly across borders, aviation can help. For a national carrier, that responsibility is not abstract. As Scandinavia’s national carrier, SAS carries a commitment to serve society not only in stable times, but when circumstances demand more of us. And that responsibility is one we will continue to uphold for as long as it is needed,” says Anko van der Werff, President & CEO of SAS.

A unique civil–military partnership

The Medevac operation led by the Norwegian Armed Forces has become a model for how public–private cooperation can strengthen both national and European emergency preparedness. The aircraft’s flexible configuration features 18 hospital beds, including three intensive care units, and 39 seats, allowing teams to adapt to each mission’s medical needs. Planning and execution require precision, cross-border coordination, and a high degree of operational experience.

Brigadier Petter Iversen, the Surgeon General for the Norwegian Armed Forces, emphasizes the importance of the partnership:
“The civil–military cooperation we have developed in Norway for medical air evacuation is unique. The collaboration with SAS is a strong example of total defense cooperation between the public and private sectors. It is essential for both Norwegian and European support to Ukraine, helping to relieve their healthcare system. At the same time, this cooperation provides valuable experience for strengthening our own medical preparedness.”

Honoring the crews behind the missions

In 2025, 24 SAS employees were awarded the Norwegian Armed Forces’ Medal for International Service for their contributions to the Ukraine Medevac operation, recognizing their contribution to more than 180 Medevac missions since 2022.

The medals were presented alongside military and health personnel, reflecting the deep trust and shared purpose that define this collaboration.

A commitment that continues

As the war enters its fifth year, SAS remains committed to supporting the Medevac mission. The partnership has already transported more than 3,500 wounded and critically ill patients from Ukraine, and the operation continues under an extended agreement with the Norwegian Armed Forces.

For SAS, the Medevac operation demonstrates how commercial aviation can actively contribute to Europe’s broader humanitarian response when needed.

Key facts: