The government proposes a capital injection of SEK 5 billion to SAS to cope with the corona crisis. Also state-owned Swedavia, which owns and operates ten airports throughout Sweden, receives support of SEK 3,150 million.

But the money comes with a number of stricter environmental requirements, according to Finance Minister Per Bolund (MP). Among other things, demands are made that the flight tax reduce emissions in line with the Paris Agreement.

- Sweden will only enter capital with SAS if at the same time there are sharp and quantitative requirements for reduced emissions from SAS, says Per Bolund at a press conference.

The finance minister calls Monday's message a historic one.

- Now we are entering a new environment for Swedish flights. It is now up to SAS to show that you can live up to the tough demands that are made, says Bolund.

Biggest owner

In order for the government's capital contribution to the air tax to be realized, authorization from the Riksdag is required. The recapitalization of SAS also needs green light from the EU's state aid regulations.

A prerequisite is also that other owners and stakeholders go in with a share, according to Center Party business policy spokesperson Helena Lindahl.

- It is important that Swedish taxpayers are not the only ones who put money into SAS.

The Swedish state is today the largest owner of SAS. If the recapitalization of SAS gets green light, state ownership is expected to grow further, according to Lindahl.

- This will mean that the state will increase its ownership in SAS, both in terms of voting and ownership, she says.

The expansion of Arlanda is stopped

The airline industry has been hit hard by the corona pandemic. State Swedavia, which operates and owns ten airports in Sweden, now makes the assessment the entire airline industry will look different after the pandemic. Therefore, the expansion of the airport is halted - a decision the government supports.

- We see a tremendous reduction in flying. Going forward with plans to expand capacity is not in line with using taxpayers' money effectively, says Per Bolund.