SAS (aka Scandinavian Air Systems) has operated 4 engine aircraft ever since they first operated the Shorts S.25 Sandringham Mk VI back in 1948. Four engine service continued in one form of the other all the way through 2020. The airline operated the DC-6, DC-7, the DC-8, along with the Convair 990, 747 classics, and A340.

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, airlines have been retiring jets at an unprecedented pace. Over the course of 2020, we’ve seen the last major airlines flying the MD-80 and MD-90s, along with a ridiculous amount of Boeing 747s being retired.

Now we came across this video of SAS sending their final Airbus A340 to the desert. It’s the end of an era for SAS as this video represents their last 4 engined flight ever. While this doesn’t represent the end of SAS , it is a sign of the times that it is now a much smaller airline. Due to the corona virus, very few airlines still fly the A340. We’ll miss this 4 engined ‘hair drier’ plying the skies!