Air France-KLM, the French-Dutch airline group, has announced its intention to become the majority shareholder in Scandinavian airline SAS. Already holding a 20% stake in SAS, Air France-KLM plans to acquire shares currently held by investment firms Castlelake and Lind Invest, which would elevate its ownership to a controlling 60.5%.
“Air France-KLM becoming the majority owner would mark a defining moment for SAS,” stated SAS chief executive Anko van der Werff. “It brings not just stability but will also allow for deeper industrial integration.” The Danish government is set to retain a 26.4% stake, making it the second-largest shareholder.
The completion of this acquisition is contingent on regulatory approval, which Air France-KLM anticipates in the second half of 2026. This move reflects a strategic expansion for Air France-KLM into the Scandinavian market and is expected to unlock significant synergy potential through comprehensive integration across all business areas.
Meanwhile, the Dutch arm of Air France-KLM, KLM, is currently facing labor disputes. While legal action recently averted a ground workers’ strike, unions have called for a nine-hour strike to proceed next Wednesday.