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Sweden and Denmark step in with multibillion rescue package for SAS

Sweden has unveiled a plan to help Scandinavian airline SAS weather the impact of the coronavirus crisis – and Denmark is also set to contribute.

Published: 15 June 2020 16:29 CEST

Sweden and Denmark step in with multibillion rescue package for SAS

SAS has like many airlines been hit hard by the coronavirus. Photo: Fredrik Sandberg/TT

Sweden unveiled Monday a plan to recapitalise struggling Scandinavian airline SAS, which said Denmark was also planning to the plan to help it weather the effects of the coronavirus crisis.

Sweden's Industry Minister Ibrahim Baylan said the government was willing to inject up to 5 billion kronor (474 million euros, $534 million).

The project requires approval from lawmakers.

SAS said in a statement that the Danish government would also contribute to the recapitalisation but did not provide a figure.

In its statement, SAS said it estimates its funding needs some 12.5 billion kronor and plans to provide more details about the recapitalisation and related measures by the end of the month.

Like many airlines, SAS has been hit hard as the impact from the coronavirus pandemic has wiped out demand for air travel.

In mid-March, the airline furloughed 90 percent of its staff and in late April SAS announced it was laying off 5,000 staff, accounting for about 40 percent of the company's workforce.

Sweden and Denmark, SAS' two largest shareholders, have already stepped in to help the airline. At the beginning of May they agreed to provide a 90 percent guarantee for a revolving credit facility of 3.3 billion kronor so the airline would have more access to cash.

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Swedish bucket list: Seven train trips you should try this summer

Inlandsbanan

This 1,300-km route stretches almost the entire length of the country. Although originally built as a freight route, the Inlandsbanan is now aimed at tourists, running only during the summer months.

The train stops for meal and activity breaks, including swimming and fishing in the country’s lakes and berry-picking in the countryside, as well as pausing for photo opportunities – look out for reindeer, elk, lynx and wolves. It’s possible to extend the journey into neighbouring Norway, or choose one of the company’s package tours, with themes such as adventure travel or Sami culture.

Some of the southern parts involve switches to a bus if you do the full journey, but from Mora in the central Dalarna region, it’s a train-only experience. If you’ve only got a short time, the northernmost section (from Östersund to Gällivare) provides the most impressive views.

Travel time and ticket costs vary significantly depending on the route and package you choose, but the full trip is a long one! A 14-day pass starts at 2,545 kronor for over-25-year-olds (but two under-15s can travel for free), while a 6-day trip from Gällivare to Mora starts at 9,295 kronor for an adult including five nights in hotel rooms along the way with breakfast included. More information can be found here .

A post shared by Inlandsbanan (@inlandsbanan) on May 29, 2017 at 1:02am PDT

Kiruna – Narvik

Travel time: Between 2hrs 39 and 3hrs 22

A cheaper and faster option for exploring the north is to tackle the final stretch of the epic Stockholm to Narvik (Norway) route, one of the world’s most beautiful train journeys. Depending on the time of year, you might see the northern lights and midnight sun, go dog-sledding or check out the Ice Hotel, and all year round you’ll get views out over mountains and stunning scenery.

You can reach Kiruna from Stockholm on an overnight train, with two services departing each day.

Malmö – Copenhagen

Travel time: Approximately 35 minutes

Train is the fastest way to make the journey between these two stylish cities, and you’ll cross the famous Öresund Bridge. The trip should get off to a good start as Malmö’s train station is modern with award-winning architecture and plenty of facilities – and views from rail journeys across the world projected onto the walls while you wait for the train.

Lidköping – Mariestad (via Kinnekulle)

Travel time: Approximately 50 minutes

This stretch has been voted Sweden’s most scenic train journey, so it’s a beautiful starting point.

You’ll ride over the Kinnekulle plateau mountain, passing through an area known for its stunning natural beauty and wildlife. Once in Mariestad, there are well-preserved 18th-century buildings to admire, the cathedral to visit, and the option of boat tours or bathing in the vast Lake Vänern.

Huskvarna – Bankeryd

Travel time: Approximately 16 minutes

It’s only a short trip, but if you sit on the east side of the train you’ll get a clear, uninterrupted view of Lake Vättern for the entire journey, making it well worth doing if you’re in the southern region of Jönköping. Find more information and book tickets through SJ or directly with Jönköpings länstrafik .

Ljusdal – Ånge

Travel time: Approximately 1hr

SJ operates this route in the geographical centre of Sweden, taking in charming villages, vast forests and lakes such as Letssjön and Hennan along the way. Ånge is known for being the hometown of a surprisingly high number of Swedish musical acts, and there’s beautiful nature to explore, or you could get the train onwards to Sundsvall or to Trondheim, Norway in the opposite direction.

Torsby – Kil

Travel time: Approximately 1hr 20 minutes

Tågkompaniet operates this stretch, via Värmlandstrafik, which is a single, non-electrified track. It passes through the Fryken chain of three lakes and has been running for over 100 years.

This article was first published in May 2018 and updated in April 2024

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