SAS Scandinavian Airlines (SK, Copenhagen Kastrup) has announced it will acquire 100% of the shareholding of Danish operator, Cimber (Sønderborg), for DKK20million (USD3.3million). The acquisition, which also includes DKK30million worth of Carbon Emission rights, is scheduled to close in April next year pending regulatory approval.

"The acquisition of Cimber will give SAS access to a specialist in regional flights with a very competitive production platform that complements SAS’ production of larger Airbus and Boeing aircraft," Rickard Gustafson, SAS President & CEO, said. "Due to expected synergies, the acquisition of Cimber can also provide opportunities for SAS to maintain and develop regional routes within the network to the benefit of SAS customers."

SAS says it will transfer twelve CRJ900s to Cimber using Copenhagen Kastrup as a base. It will however maintain Cimber's previously announced plans to retire its fleet of ATR72s and CRJ200s.

Cimber's future was threatened earlier this year when SAS announced it would terminate an existing ACMI contract with the firm.