United Nations of the Air - SAS

One of the earliest promotional posters issued by Scandinavian Airlines System shortly after its formation in August 1946 through the merger of Danish Airlines (DDL), Norwegian Airlines (DNL), and Swedish Intercontinental Airlines (SILA). The artwork proudly displays the SAS winged emblem, bearing the national coats of arms of Denmark, Norway, and Sweden, soaring against a bright blue sky with the slogan “United Nations of the Air.”

The poster is designed by Allmänna Annonsbyrån AB, Stockholm – founded by Bengt Rumert (designer of the first SAS logo)

The creation of SAS marked a pioneering collaboration in postwar European aviation, pooling resources from three national carriers to serve long-distance routes under a shared brand. Early SAS marketing emphasized international cooperation, reliability, and the modern comfort of their intercontinental fleet, which in its first years included Douglas DC-4 and DC-6 aircraft.

This striking piece is not only a fine example of early postwar airline advertising but also a visual record of SAS’s founding ethos—uniting three nations in one global airline.

Condition: Good. Light age wear, small tears at top and bottom edges, professionally mounted on linen.