SAS AB has been seeking a European buyer for the company, SAS' Vice Chairman, Jacob Wallenberg said. However, sources said that bilateral landing permits obtained by in many Eastern Europe and Asian countries state that SAS has a majority Scandinavian ownership. The sources suggest that this could become problematic if SAS is acquired by a non-Scandinavian buyer, in particular if this buyer is state-owned by a country that does not have good international relations.

A new buyer may not be allowed to acquire landing permits together with SAS, but will need to reapply for new permits, according to Esmerk Swedish News.