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SAS Scandinavian Airlines vs Lufthansa

A side-by-side comparison of pilot careers at SAS Scandinavian Airlines (SK) and Lufthansa (LH) — covering salary, fleet, requirements, and more.

Head-to-Head Comparison

SAS Scandinavian Airlines
Lufthansa
Country
Sweden/Denmark/Norway
Germany
Airline Type
Major Airline
Major Airline
IATA Code
SK
LH
Regulatory Authority
EASA
EASA
First Officer Salary
SEK 500,000 - SEK 800,000
€70,000 - €120,000
Captain Salary
SEK 1,000,000 - SEK 1,500,000
€150,000 - €250,000
Fleet
Airbus A319/320/321/330/350
Airbus A319/320/321/330/340/350/380, Boeing 747/777/787

Requirements Comparison

SAS Scandinavian Airlines

  • EASA ATPL
  • Class 1 medical
  • Scandinavian language preferred
  • EU right to work

Lufthansa

  • EASA ATPL
  • EASA Class 1 medical
  • Type rating on Lufthansa fleet aircraft
  • German language helpful
  • Lufthansa training program or equivalent

Pros & Cons

SAS Scandinavian Airlines

Pros

  • +Simplified fleet — fewer type ratings needed

Cons

  • Local language proficiency preferred

Lufthansa

Pros

  • +Modern fleet with 787 Dreamliner
  • +Simplified fleet — fewer type ratings needed

Cons

  • Local language proficiency preferred
  • Type rating required before application

About Each Airline

SAS Scandinavian Airlines

The flag carrier of Denmark, Norway, and Sweden, SAS connects Scandinavia with the world from hubs in Copenhagen, Stockholm, and Oslo.

Full SAS Scandinavian Airlines career guide →

Lufthansa

Germany's flag carrier and Europe's largest airline group. Lufthansa runs its own pilot training academy (European Flight Academy).

Full Lufthansa career guide →

Calculate Your Salary

Model your earning potential at SAS Scandinavian Airlines or Lufthansa based on your experience, ratings, and career stage.

Salary Calculator

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