SAS and the Norwegian Armed Forces have extended their Medevac partnership through 2027, following approval by the Norwegian Government. This renewal with the Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency formalizes SAS’s role in delivering dedicated medical evacuation for international missions under Norwegian and European coordination.
The operation integrates SAS flight crews, trained for complex evacuations, with Norwegian Armed Forces Medical Services (NAFMS) personnel who lead missions. A modified Boeing 737 serves as the core asset, featuring 18 hospital beds including three intensive care units, 39 seats for staff, and adaptable medical infrastructure for rapid mission reconfiguration. Maintenance occurs in collaboration with the Norwegian Armed Forces to maintain readiness.
Since Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, the partnership has conducted over 180 near-weekly flights under the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, transporting more than 3,500 wounded soldiers and civilians from Poland to European hospitals. These efforts alleviate pressure on Ukraine’s healthcare system while enhancing European emergency preparedness.
“This mission has shaped SAS in a profound way. Operating an aircraft with this level of medical capability and readiness requires a combination of experience, precision and trust that is rare in commercial aviation,” states Anko van der Werff, SAS President & CEO.
The civil-military model, rooted in over 25 years of cooperation, earned SAS personnel the Norwegian Armed Forces Medal for International Operations in 2025.