SAS and Norwegian Armed Forces forge strategic evacuation partnership with new agreement

Friday, March 8, 2024

The agreement between the Norwegian Armed Forces and SAS comprises two components: a collaboration agreement aimed at developing an A320neo-based solution and an operational assignment agreement.

“We are honored that the Norwegian Armed Forces have selected SAS for future evacuation missions, building on several years of joint assignments across the world. While the currently used aircraft has served us well, it is now time for the next-generation, lower-emission A320neo to continue these proud assignments together with our highly skilled and dedicated staff. Contributing to the safe transport of citizens across the world when crisis strikes is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we are grateful for the trust placed in us by the Norwegian Defense through this work,” says Paul Verhagen, Chief Commercial Officer at SAS.

The A320neo serves as a standard passenger aircraft and, upon finalization of its new design, can be transformed into a flying hospital, equipped with medical facilities and beds. SAS’ Airbus A320neo boasts approximately an 18% reduction in CO2 emissions compared to its predecessors, along with a 30% decrease in noise levels, contributing to a more comfortable environment for both evacuees and crew members onboard.

SAS has a rich 25-year legacy of involvement in evacuation operations, participating in missions such as the Thailand tsunami, evacuations from Afghanistan, Moira refugee camp, and assisting Ukrainian patients.

“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,” says the Commander of the Norwegian Defense Logistics Organization, Brigadier General Anders Jernberg.

Capacity will be designated for the utilization of two medical evacuation aircraft, alongside the resources already available to the Armed Forces.

“The collaboration is unique. Private business and the Armed Forces come together to form a total defense capacity. Ensuring the ability to carry out strategic air evacuation is important for the Norwegian Armed Forces, as well as from an international perspective and society at large,” says Commander of Norwegian Armed Forces Joint Medical Services, Brigadier General Petter Iversen.

The Norwegian Armed Forces Joint Medical Services are pivotal in facilitating medical evacuations, leveraging their expertise to devise solutions for the new aircraft. They bear primary responsibility for planning, preparedness, and execution of medical air evacuations on behalf of the Norwegian Armed Forces, under the leadership of the Norwegian Joint Headquarters.

The Norwegian Defense Logistics Organization serves as the contracting entity representing the Norwegian Armed Forces in this capacity.

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