Cimber buyout could be good news for regional travellers

The SAS deal could lead to the reopening of some routes

SAS has agreed to purchase the Danish-owned airline Cimber, which announced in September it would close down by April 1 next year due to the termination of its leasing deal with its new owner.

The 20 million kroner deal will see Cimber's smaller planes cater to regional flights to Copenhagen like they currently do from Billund and Aarhus under the terms of the leasing deal.

However, it remains to be seen if the airline reintroduces the routes offered before its first stay-of-execution in 2012 (when it was bailed out by three former employees), which included services to Karup, Bornholm and Sønderborg. A rival, Norwegian, also offers flights from Karup as well as from Aalborg.

”With the purchase of Cimber, SAS will gain access to a specialist in regional flight with a very competitive production platform,” Rickard Gustafson, the CEO of SAS, said in a press release.

READ MORE: No fooling: Cimber's closing down on April 1 next year

Savings needed
The purchase comes just ten days before SAS's release of its annual financial results. Gustafson warned in September that a new savings round was on the horizon.

Earlier this month, national broadcaster DR unveiled SAS's plans for the establishment of a new subsidiary to cater to the airline's regional flights in Scandinavia. The purchase of Cimber does just that.

Additionally, because Cimber's wage agreement is cheaper than SAS's, the move is expected to save the under-pressure airline a pretty penny.

 




  • In conversation with Conrad Molden: The man behind the mic

    In conversation with Conrad Molden: The man behind the mic

    He’s tickled our funny bone with countless wisecracks and clever wordplay, and in the process, made Denmark feel a little more personable to many expats. An international import himself, funny man Conrad Molden has successfully carved out a niche for himself on the Danish stand-up scene, but it’s taken a solid 13 years, much trial and error, and heaps of Danglish

  • Volunteer Night 2025: when volunteering rimes with integrating

    Volunteer Night 2025: when volunteering rimes with integrating

    On Wednesday, April 30, from 17:00 to 20:00, Studenterhuset will host Volunteer Night 2025, a free event organized by the organization International House Copenhagen, which goal is to ease the relocation process for newcomers in Denmark

  • The international who shaped Copenhagen

    The international who shaped Copenhagen

    Anna Maria Indrio is one of the most important architects in Denmark, having contributed to shaping Copenhagen into what it is today. Among her best-known projects are the extension of SMK and Arken, as well as the Natural History Museum and the Darwin Centre in London. She moved here 60 years ago, when “Copenhagen was gray and dormant. Predictions suggested it would become depopulated. But putting people at the center changed everything,” she said

  • Danish government passes amendment to increase citizenship fee by 50%

    Danish government passes amendment to increase citizenship fee by 50%

    Fees were raised to reflect processing costs and curb repeat applications, creating debate over whether the new charges erect barriers to political participation for internationals.

  • Internationals’ labour contributes 361 billion DKK to Denmark’s GDP, and it is growing strongly every year

    Internationals’ labour contributes 361 billion DKK to Denmark’s GDP, and it is growing strongly every year

    According to a report by the Danish Chamber of Commerce, internationals’ contribution is 12% of the country’s GDP. In 2023, it was 322 billion DKK, and in 2008, it was 136 billion DKK. “Internationals make a gigantic difference in our prosperity and welfare,” comments Morten Langager, the Director of Dansk Erhverv.

  • Inside Denmark’s innovation engine

    Inside Denmark’s innovation engine

    With half of its staff being international, the BioInnovation Institute reflects Denmark’s broader transformation into a global innovation hub. But can the country—and Europe—keep up the pace? “If reforms are made now, we can close the gap in ten years,” explains BII’s CEO

Connect Club is your gateway to a vibrant programme of events and an international community in Denmark.