Scandinavian Stewardesses Takes Us Into the Jet Age
Scandinavian Airlines (or simply SAS), was founded in 1946, when three Scandinavian transatlantic airlines merged. In the late 1950s, SAS was the first airline to offer round the world service over the North Pole via the North Pole shortcut Copenhagen – Anchorage – Tokyo.
This “polar express” became popular with Hollywood celebrities and production people travelling to Europe. SAS entered the jet age in 1959 when its first jet aircraft, the Caravelle, entered service. They did not opt for the Boeing 707 like so many other airlines.
In 1958, the 23-year-old Swedish SAS stewardess, Birgitta Lindman (seen above), landed the cover of LIFE magazine’s special jet issue about airlines. She beat hostesses from 53 other airlines. In ABC’s television show Pan Am, the voluptuous Laura gets to be on the LIFE magazine cover.
In 1971, SAS put its first Boeing 747 jumbo jet into service, a massive airplane that proved to be way too oversized for the small Scandinavian market of travelers during that period.
Above: Three sisters
Above: Summer uniform designed Carven — Summer uniform designed Carven from 1967.
Above: Uniform Carven 1965-1971 — SAS, Uniforms, Air hostess uniform designed by Carven, 1965-1971.
Above: Uniform Dior 1971-1983 — SAS Uniforms. Air hostess uniform designed by Christian Dior 1971-1983.
Above: Winter uniform deigned Dior — SAS, Uniforms, Air hostess uniform designed by Christian Dior, 1971-1983.
Above: Boarding in style
Above: Flight Attendant Uniform
Above: DC-8 Ground Hostesses
Chris Alm
Christopher founded Ultra Swank in 2005. Has a crush on mid-century graphic design, defunct airlines, Disneyland and the Century 21 Exposition. Is a collector of easy listening music from the 60s and 70s and a Swedish expat living in Barcelona, Spain.
