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Aviation History
1951
1951 - 1030.PDF
In the Way 6 YXKIN G S Part I: The History of Scandinavian Air Transport: Growth of Trilateral Co-operation PERHAPS because our one-time Viking conquerorshave stronger roots in Britain than we had realized,perhaps merely because we cannot help but admire the good-humour and logic with which their modern descend- ants greet everyday problems—whatever the reason, it is certain that the Scandinavian peoples have for us a greater affinity than has any other European nation. Oddly enough, most other races hold a similar opinion, which leads us, therefore, to favour the second explanation for the phenomenon. Certainly, this sound, commonsense attitude towards life is one of the most striking characteristics of the Scandinavians and its continued application throughout the past few centuries has enabled the peoples of Denmark, Norway and Sweden to overcome national prejudice and effect a degree of international co-operation which is quite remarkable in its extent. Today, the benefits of this policy can never be more clearly seen than in the approach which the three countries have adopted to the highly competitive business of civil air transport. The Scandinavian Airlines System has emerged as a fine example of what can be done by rational thinking. As long ago as 1939 the national airlines of Sweden, Norway and Denmark had begun negotiations to establish a common airline to North America. At the beginning of 1940 negotiations were taking place between the Scan- dinavian postal authorities, the airlines and the United States to inaugurate such a route in conjunction with Pan erican Airways^^HleTnvasion of Norway and Denmark -.—but not for long. The Swedish com- pany, A.B.A., which had played the leading role in devising the earlier scheme, embarked upon the task of establishing joint operations for the future. No financial help was forth- coming from the Swedish Government at that time and so the project was left entirely to private enterprise. After lengthy negotiations the Swedish Intercontinental Airlines (S.I.L.A.) were formed to operate all Swedish inter- continental traffic. A.B.A. was to continue to run European traffic and it was also agreed that they should share with S.I.L.A. any technical or administrative facilities which were required. Despite the obstacles imposed by war, negotiations were begun with the Danish and Norwegian airlines. It was quickly agreed that co-operation between the Scandinavian countries was essential for full economy and that as soon as the war had ended an early start should be made to implement such a plan. In 1946 the three countries decided to pool their resources for international traffic under the title of S.A.S. The benefits of this venture proved so far-reaching that now, in 1951, the far-sighted Scandinavians have been able to realize their long-standing ambition—a consortium agreement which completely merges all participating national airlines for all types of traffic and eliminates all competition between the three countries. Although foreign observers have cautiously called this experiment "an encouraging example of how Present History: Signing the agreement which provides for the complete merger of the three S.A.S. airlines are seated, left to right) M. Wallenburg (Sweden), Per M. Hansson Norway) and Per Kampmann Denmark). Standing) Axel Gjores Sweden), Einar Isdahl Norway) and Prince Axel Denmark). Right) Past History: A notable Scandinavian first flight, from Lindarangen, on June 2nd, 1924, in a Junkers F.I3 belonging to A.B.A., the Swedish partner in the Scandinavian Airlines System.
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