SAS (Scandinavian Airlines) is in the middle of a significant transformation. After emerging from Chapter 11 restructuring in 2024, joining SkyTeam, and moving toward majority ownership by Air France-KLM, the airline now operates under three Air Operator Certificates: SAS mainline (A320/A330/A350), SAS Connect (A320neo short-haul), and SAS Link (Embraer E195 regional). All fly under the SAS brand.
The fleet transition and growth mean SAS is actively hiring — cadet and direct entry positions across Copenhagen, Stockholm, and Oslo. Understanding which AOC you are applying to, and tailoring your CV accordingly, is the first step. For the full selection breakdown, see the SAS interview guide.
CV Guide Summary
- This guide covers how to format your pilot CV specifically for SAS applications.
- How to write a pilot CV for SAS.
- Structure your CV to highlight the specific qualifications and experience SAS values most.
- Includes formatting templates, common mistakes to avoid, and section-by-section guidance.
- SAS (Scandinavian Airlines) is in the middle of a significant transformation.
Three AOCs: SAS, Connect & Link
SAS Group pilot recruitment is per AOC — you apply to a specific operating certificate, not to "SAS" generically. Each has different fleet types, routes, and base options.
SAS (mainline)
A320 family (including A321LR for thin long-haul), A330-300, and A350-900. Copenhagen, Stockholm, and Oslo bases. Intercontinental and European routes.
SAS Connect
A320neo fleet. Short-haul European routes. Operates under the SAS brand with unified training and safety standards.
SAS Link
Embraer E195 fleet. Regional routes. Bergen and Scandinavian domestic services. Good entry point for lower-hour pilots.
What SAS Looks For
Scandinavian recruitment culture values understated competence and team orientation — the concept of "janteloven" (don't stand out) applies subtly. SAS looks for pilots who are technically solid, collaboratively minded, and culturally adaptable. Boastful self-promotion on your CV is counterproductive.
Key items to highlight
- EASA ATPL (or frozen ATPL for cadets) with Class 1 Medical
- Airbus A320 or Embraer type rating (depending on AOC target)
- Total flight hours with multi-crew experience and recency
- CRM credentials and team-oriented examples — not individual heroism
- Scandinavian language skills (if any) — advantageous but not required
- EU/EEA right to work or valid Scandinavian work permit
SAS recruits on a rolling basis via careers.sasgroup.net — positions may close at short notice. Keep your CV updated and ready to submit when positions open. The recruitment page explicitly states continuous review rather than fixed intake windows.
CV Format & Scandinavian Style
Scandinavian CV culture is clean, factual, and concise. No photo, no date of birth, no marital status — even more strictly than other European countries. Focus on qualifications, measurable experience, and professional competencies. Keep language neutral and evidence-based: "Maintained 98% on-time rate across 1,200 sectors" rather than "I am an exceptionally dedicated pilot."
Use a single-column PDF, 2 pages maximum, with standard fonts (Arial, Calibri, 10-12pt). Structure: Professional Summary, Licenses & Ratings, Flight Experience (by aircraft type), Employment History, Education & Training, Languages.
Include hours as text in your Professional Summary for ATS parsing: "EASA ATPL. 3,200 total hours.
2,800 on A320 family. PIC: 1,400. Class 1 Medical valid to March 2027." Then provide a detailed breakdown by aircraft type in the Flight Experience section.
Base & Fleet Selection
SAS currently recruits for Copenhagen (CPH), Stockholm (ARN), Oslo (OSL), and Bergen (BGO). Base availability varies by AOC and fleet type. Cadet First Officer positions across all bases appear on the careers portal — some on E195 (SAS Link), others on A320 (SAS Connect or mainline).
State your base preference and flexibility on your CV. If you have existing right to work in a specific Scandinavian country, mention it — this simplifies the administrative process and signals genuine commitment to relocating.
Photo Policy
Most European airlines do not require a photo on your CV, and including one can trigger unconscious bias concerns in some HR departments. Do not add a photo unless the airline specifically requests one on their careers page.
Submit as PDF
Always submit your CV as a PDF unless the airline specifically requests Word format. ATS systems can strip formatting from .docx files — tables, columns, and custom fonts often render as garbled text. Use a single-column layout with standard section headings.
SAS-Specific Mistakes
Applying to "SAS" without specifying AOC — mainline, SAS Connect, and SAS Link have separate vacancies. A generic application signals no research.
Self-promotional tone — Scandinavian recruitment culture values humility and facts. "I am the best candidate because..." reads poorly. Let your qualifications and achievements speak for themselves.
Outdated SAS information — SAS left Star Alliance in August 2024, joined SkyTeam, and is integrating with Air France-KLM. Referencing Star Alliance or the pre-restructuring SAS shows you are not current.
Including a photo — Scandinavian convention is strictly no photo. Including one suggests unfamiliarity with the region's recruitment norms.
Missing recency data — SAS values recent flying activity. Include hours in last 90 days and 12 months. A gap in recency without explanation is a red flag.