SAS, or Scandinavian Airlines (SK), is the flag carrier of Denmark, Norway, and Sweden and one of the best-known airlines in the Nordic region.
Headquartered in Scandinavia, the airline operates a large network connecting the region with destinations across Europe, North America and Asia. SAS has its main international hub at Copenhagen Airport, with additional bases in Stockholm, Oslo, Bergen and London.
SAS Pilot Salary in 2026
For pilots, SAS offers the opportunity to operate a mixed fleet covering regional, European and long-haul flying. The airline currently operates Airbus A320 family aircraft, Airbus A330s and Airbus A350s. Its pilot employment package includes structured salary progression, paid type ratings, pension, travel benefits and 42 days of annual leave for full-time pilots.
SAS First Officer Salary
SAS first officers receive a starting gross salary of approximately SEK 38,621–40,610 per month (around USD 3,900–4,200), depending on the pilot’s experience and whether the pilot has the A320 type rating. This gives an annual salary of approximately SEK 463,452–487,320 (around USD 47,500–50,000) before tax.
Pilots with more experience can move through the SAS salary steps. First officers with more than 1,500 flight hours and the relevant type rating can receive approximately SEK 42,219–45,175 per month, equivalent to roughly SEK 506,628–542,100 per year (around USD 51,800–55,500). SAS also provides a daily allowance based on duty length and destination, meaning total earnings can be higher than the basic salary figures.
SAS Captain Salary
A direct-entry A320 captain joining SAS in Copenhagen or Stockholm on a full-time contract starts at approximately SEK 74,772 per month (around USD 7,650). This translates to an annual starting salary of approximately SEK 897,264 (around USD 91,900) before additional allowances. SAS also offers a flexible 83.3% contract, under which the starting salary is SEK 62,285 per month.
Captain compensation can increase through SAS’s structured salary progression, while additional allowances can be paid depending on flying and duties. Experienced captains can also progress to larger aircraft, including the Airbus A330 and A350, or move into training and management positions. SAS states that salary levels follow collective agreements and cannot be individually negotiated.
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Benefits Enjoyed by SAS Pilots
Scandinavian Airlines pilots enjoy the benefits below.
- Competitive Salary – SAS provides pilots with a structured salary system, with pay increasing according to experience, qualifications and applicable collective agreements.
- Type Rating – SAS pays for the required type rating, although a 36-month training bond applies to pilots receiving the training.
- Daily Allowance – Pilots receive a daily allowance based on duty length and destination while away from their base.
- Annual Leave – Full-time SAS pilots are entitled to 42 calendar days of annual leave under the applicable employment agreements.
- Pension Benefits – SAS provides a pension scheme as part of its pilot employment package.
- Insurance Coverage – Pilot benefits include insurance coverage, including loss-of-licence protection under the applicable arrangements.
- Travel Benefits – Pilots receive worldwide staff travel and ID travel benefits for personal travel.
- Career Progression – First officers have a defined pathway towards captain, while pilots can also progress to long-haul operations and positions in training and management.
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What Aircraft Do SAS Pilots Fly?
SAS operates an all-Airbus fleet of aircraft, with current planes including the following.
- Airbus A319-100 – 4
- Airbus A320-200 – 5
- Airbus A320neo – 48
- Airbus A321LR – 3
- Airbus A330-300 – 8
- Airbus A350-900 – 6
In June 2026, SAS also placed a firm order for 18 Airbus A330-900 aircraft. The aircraft are intended to support international network expansion and long-term fleet modernisation.
Requirements To Become A Pilot for SAS
SAS has the following requirements for its first officers.
- Hold an EASA Airline Transport Pilot Licence (A), Commercial Pilot Licence (A) or Multi-Crew Pilot Licence.
- Hold a valid EASA Class 1 Medical Certificate.
- Have completed a Multi-Crew Cooperation course.
- Have completed an Advanced UPRT course.
- Hold ICAO English Language Level 5 or 6.
- Have an unrestricted right to live and work in the European Union.
- Have a clean criminal record.
- Successfully complete the required background check, security interview and alcohol and drug testing.
- Non-Scandinavian EASA licences are accepted but must be converted to a Scandinavian EASA licence before the course begins.
SAS captains need to meet the following criteria.
- Hold an unrestricted EASA ATPL (A).
- Hold a valid EASA Class 1 Medical Certificate.
- Hold a valid Instrument Rating.
- Have ICAO English Language Level 5 or 6.
- Have an unrestricted right to live and work in the European Union.
- Have a clean criminal record.
- Have at least 4,000 total flight hours.
- Have at least 2,000 hours on jet aircraft or high-speed turboprops.
- Have at least 1,000 hours as pilot in command on aircraft with an MTOW above 55 tonnes.
- Have experience with winter operations.
- Successfully complete SAS’s assessment and required pre-employment checks.
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Hiring Process
SAS pilots are required to undergo the following hiring process.
- Online Application – Candidates submit an online application with their CV, licences, medical certificate, flight records and other required documents.
- Initial Screening – SAS reviews the candidate’s licences, flight experience and documentation to determine whether the basic eligibility requirements are met.
- Aptitude Assessment – Shortlisted candidates complete online cognitive and personality assessments, with the process also potentially including a recorded video interview.
- Technical Assessment – Candidates are assessed on their technical knowledge and other competencies relevant to airline operations.
- Interview – Candidates participate in an online interview with a SAS recruiter, followed by a personal interview as part of the assessment process.
- Simulator Assessment – The assessment day includes a simulator session, together with group exercises and other evaluation activities designed to assess technical and non-technical skills.
- Final Checks and Offer – Successful candidates proceed to background screening, a personal security interview and alcohol and drug testing. Candidates who complete the process successfully may receive an employment offer or be placed in a holding pool until a suitable position becomes available.
Bottom Line
SAS pilots receive a structured compensation package that combines salary progression with additional allowances and a broad range of employment benefits. First officers currently start at approximately SEK 38,621–40,610 per month, equivalent to around SEK 463,452–487,320 annually, while experienced first officers with higher salary-step eligibility can reach approximately SEK 45,175 per month.
Direct-entry A320 captains joining SAS in Copenhagen or Stockholm start at approximately SEK 74,772 per month on a full-time contract, or around SEK 897,264 annually before additional allowances. SAS also provides 42 days of annual leave, pension, insurance, staff travel and paid type-rating training.
With a current fleet of 111 aircraft and additional E195-E2 and A330-900 aircraft on order, SAS pilots can also expect opportunities across regional, European and long-haul operations as the airline continues its fleet renewal and network expansion.
SAS Pilots Salary FAQs
SAS first officers currently earn approximately SEK 463,452–542,100 per year depending on experience, flight hours and type-rating status. Direct-entry A320 captains in Copenhagen and Stockholm start at approximately SEK 897,264 per year on a full-time contract, before additional allowances.
SAS pilots operate Airbus A320 family aircraft, Airbus A330s and Airbus A350s. There are also 18 Airbus A330-900 aircraft on firm order.
For experienced first officer recruitment, SAS currently requires at least 400 hours on CS/FAR 25 aircraft. Direct-entry A320 captain applicants must have at least 4,000 total flight hours, including 2,000 hours on jet aircraft or high-speed turboprops and 1,000 hours as pilot in command on aircraft above 55 tonnes MTOW.
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