Sweden’s social democratic and green government wants to support the Scandinavian airline SAS with up to 5 billion Krona (0.47 billion Euros). The aim is to compensate for the losses associated with the Covid-19 virus. The government is imposing climate regulations and the expansion of Stockholm’s Arlanda Airport is to be abandoned.
At a press conference in Stockholm last Monday, the Social Democrat and Green government and their two cooperation partners in parliament, the Centre Party and the Liberal Party, announced these measures.
The additional Swedish money is subject to a vote in parliament and must also pass the examination of EU rules on state subsidies.
“Sweden will only invest money in SAS if it meets clear and quantifiable criteria for lower emissions in line with the 1.5-degree target of the Paris Agreement.” This was announced by Per Bolund, spokesman for the Green Party and Minister for Financial Markets, at a press conference.
A further 3,150 billion Krona (0.3 billion Euros) will go to Swedavia. The state-owned company operates Sweden’s 10 most important airports. In a statement, the company welcomed the support. However, Swedavia announced that the expansion of Stockholm Arlanda Airport, including a new gate and improved baggage handling, will be put on hold until further notice.
Heiner Kubny, PolarJournal
