SAS inks air evacuation capacity agreement using A320neo

Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) has signed an agreement with the Norwegian Armed Forces for strategic air evacuation capacity using an A320neo aircraft. The two part agreement will cover the design of a solution based on the aircraft and an agreement covering operational assignments. It will take effect in 2025 after phasing out the current SAS 737-700 aircraft used for evacuation missions. ""We are honoured that the Norwegian Armed Forces have selected SAS for future evacuation missions, building on several years of joint assignments across the world,"" said SAS CCO Paul Verhagen. ""With this agreement, the capacity for evacuation and repatriation of sick or wounded civilians and military personnel, including intensive care patients, is strengthened for national and international operations, from and to airports in all parts of the world,"" said Norwegian Defence Organisation commander Anders Jernberg. Capacity will be established for use of two medical evacuation aircraft, in addition to the Armed Forces' own resources.