SAS Data History

Industry leader for 45 years
The company was founded when Scandinavian Airlines System (SAS) acquired its first computer in 1958.

In 1969, the official opening of the new, large data processing center, took place at Copenhagen Airport. The name of the new data processing department was Data Services, and it had three computers at its disposal and terminals spread all over the world. 400 ticket-ordering machines were directly connected with the computers at Data Services.

The first advanced system for data communications was installed in 1974, and the first personal computers were purchased in 1981. In the 1990s, a worldwide network ensured fast and efficient communications and SAS's check-in procedures at the counters were supplemented with self-service express check-in via automats. All systems were developed and implemented by at that time called Scandinavian Airlines Data.

Yet another milestone was reached on December 1, 2000. The company's new name, Scandinavian IT Group, was created in order to make clear its continued role within SAS while at the same time signaling the increasing focus on the rapidly growing market for future-proof IT solutions for the global airline industry.
The company was aquired by Computer Sciences Corporation (CSC) effective from February 1st, 2004. The name was changed to CSC Airline Solutions.

Milestones in the company's history

Scandinavian Airlines System has always been a pioneer in using modern technique, even so when it comes to information technology, or as it used to be called - Electronic Data Processing. 

Here are some points along the line of events:

1947
Booking's rotor-system implemented
 
1949
Punch card machine inaugurated
 
1958
Implementation of the first EDP-system: "Space Availability System" (SPAS).
 
1961
SAS introduces the first passenger- & load-control system in the world
 
1965
"SASCO I" - a European terminal system is installed with IBM 1410-machines
 
1966
"The SASCO Fort", i.e. computer halls in Copenhagen (Kastrup) is inaugurated 12. September
 
1968
The global network inaugurated
 
1971
The terminal network - Telcon 1 - inaugurated with Collins-terminals
 
1973
Telcon 3-network implemented with Stansaab's Alfaskop (not to confuse with today's Alfaskop) as workstations
 
1983 
SAS DATA becomes an independent division within SAS
 
1983
The personal computer - PC - turns up
 
1980's
Distributed systems are developed all over SAS with or without SAS DATA as supplier
 
1988 
SAS DATA becomes a supplier and is organized into three company-like parts. A "Sister Doctrine" is formulated.
 
1990
SAS DATA is formally turned into three private companies (subsidiary companies to SAS), each with its own managing director and a board. The name "Scandinavian Airlines Data" is chosen.
 
1994
Scandinavian Airlines Data Group, SDG for short, is chosen the most efficient data central of the Nordic countries by the analyze institute COMPASS.

1997
SDG is reorganized to be run and to function like one company with one Managing Director, actually stationed in Denmark. The three companies still exist but just as a legal formality.
 
December 2000
Scandinavian IT Group is launched as the new name for SAS Data, signaling an extended external marketing of products and services.
 
August 2003
The board of SAS has today asked the SAS Group Management and the management of Scandinavian IT Group (SIG) to investigate the market for potential buyers of SIG.
 
February 2004
Scandinavian IT Group becomes part of CSC (Computer Sciences Corporation). The legal name is changed to CSC Airline Solutions.