Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) has extended its long-term agreement with the Norwegian Armed Forces to continue the medical evacuation of injured Ukrainian soldiers and civilians.
Since the start of the conflict in 2022, over 3.500 patients have been transported from Ukraine to specialized hospitals across Europe under the EU Civil Protection Mechanism. The operations are carried out using a specially converted Boeing 737, which serves as a flying hospital. This aircraft has 18 hospital beds, including three intensive care units, as well as 39 additional seats for medical staff and patients.
The execution of these medevac missions is based on a civil-military partnership of over 25 years between SAS and the Norwegian Armed Forces Medical Service. Since 2022, more than 180 missions have been flown, with flights taking place almost weekly. This cooperation requires precise cross-border coordination and is considered an essential element of European emergency preparedness. The program significantly relieves the burden on the Ukrainian healthcare system by distributing critically injured patients to countries with adequate medical capacity. Norway plays a central role as a logistical hub within the European network.
For their service under difficult conditions, a total of 24 SAS personnel received the Norwegian Armed Forces Medal for International Service in 2025. Brigadier General Petter Iversen, Norway's Chief Medical Officer, described the project as an exemplary model of public-private sector cooperation in the field of national defense. The extension of the agreement ensures the continuity of this assistance for the current year, 2026. In addition to providing medical care to patients, the program also serves to generally strengthen the crisis response capabilities of the participating European partners.
The logistical complexity of the missions has increased over time, as flight routes must be constantly adjusted due to the security situation. The Boeing 737 is regularly maintained and reconfigured to meet the specific needs of intensive care. The extensive experience of SAS crews in military cooperation ensures a high standard of patient transfer to European hospitals. The mission remains an integral part of Scandinavian support for the affected region and will continue at its current schedule until further notice.