SAS Link

SAS Link operates under the safety framework of its parent company, Scandinavian Airlines (SAS). The safety record of SAS (including its subsidiaries like SAS Link) is generally strong.

• Recent safety record and any notable incidents: For SAS Link specifically, AeroInside has reported incidents such as a bleed issue on an Embraer ERJ-195 in August 2024 and a cabin pressurization issue on the same aircraft type in April 2023. For the broader SAS operations, recent non-fatal incidents in 2025 include a passenger battery fire during boarding, a smell of smoke in the cabin, an electrical failure, and a pilot incapacitation. Historically, SAS has had fatal accidents, with the last one occurring in Milan in 2001. While hijackings have occurred in the past, none resulted in fatalities.
• Regulatory certifications: SAS maintains a high safety rating of 7/7 by Airline Ratings, indicating a strong performance in safety audits. As a major European carrier, SAS and its subsidiaries are subject to stringent European aviation safety regulations and are not listed on the EU Air Safety List (which bans airlines from operating in the EU for safety concerns).
• Fleet age and maintenance reputation: The overall SAS fleet, including aircraft operated by its subsidiaries, has an average age of 9.4 years as of November 2024, which is significantly lower than the global average aircraft age. The oldest regional jet (Embraer E195) is 17 years old. SAS has invested heavily in predictive maintenance, partnering with GE Aerospace for its Embraer E190 fleet (relevant for SAS Link) to improve reliability, reduce unscheduled maintenance, and minimize downtime. They also utilize Airbus's Skywise Predictive Maintenance+ system and have a dedicated team of specialists, demonstrating a proactive approach to fleet maintenance and operational efficiency.
• Overall safety assessment based on available data: Based on the robust safety rating, relatively young fleet, and proactive predictive maintenance strategies, SAS (and thus SAS Link) demonstrates a strong commitment to aviation safety. While minor incidents occur, which is common for active airlines, there are no recent reports of fatal accidents, and the airline's systems are geared towards preventing major issues.
• Any safety awards or recognitions: No specific recent safety awards were found for SAS Link or SAS in the search results.