SAS earns sustainability award - hosts SkyTeam’s global Aviation Challenge in Copenhagen

Scandinavian Airlines has been recognized in the category “Most Impactful Solution – Ground Operations” at The Aviation Challenge Awards, as global airlines gathered in Copenhagen to celebrate visible and scalable operational solutions. The awards highlight how airlines across the SkyTeam community are accelerating sustainability progress through practical, data‑driven initiatives. 

The Aviation Challenge is a global collaboration initiative presented by SkyTeam, bringing airlines together to accelerate progress in one of the most complex industries to transform. Through shared learning, data exchange and real‑world testing, participating airlines develop solutions that are already in use and designed to scale across operations. 

At this year’s awards, SAS was honored for: 

- Most Impactful Solution – Ground Operations: 
Advanced de-/anti-icing fluids and precision measuring tools to reduce glycol use, resulting in impactful and safety-critical improvements.  

The recognized solution reflects SAS’ focus on operational improvements that deliver measurable results and can be shared and adopted across the wider airline community.  

SAS also congratulates fellow airlines recognized for standout achievements across areas such as SAF innovation, waste reduction and cross‑industry collaboration, underscoring the breadth of progress happening across the global aviation community. 

“Bringing The Aviation Challenge to Copenhagen and working closely with our partners across SkyTeam shows the power of collaboration in action. SkyTeam has become a driving force in pushing sustainability forward across the industry, and this year’s results underline what is possible when airlines work together,” says Anko van der Werff, President and CEO, SAS. “It is inspiring to see airlines from around the world turn shared ambition into practical solutions that scale.” 

“The recognition reflects the efforts of many teams across SAS who work every day to improve how we operate and to integrate sustainability into our core processes. These awards highlight tangible progress achieved through operational changes that improve efficiency, reduce impact and can be scaled across the industry. This is where real progress is made,” says Mads Brandstrup, Senior Vice President Communication, Public Affairs and Sustainability, SAS. 

The Aviation Challenge Awards were presented in Copenhagen on 21 January, bringing together airline leaders and operational experts from across the global aviation community.