SAS

SAS is an acronym used for several distinct organizations and systems. The three most commonly encountered are SAS Institute, a software company and analytics platform; Scandinavian Airlines System, the Nordic airline; and the Special Air Service, a premier unit of the British Army.

SAS Institute is a multinational software company known for the SAS System, a comprehensive suite for data management and statistical analysis. The system originated in the 1960s at North Carolina State University to analyze agricultural data and was later commercialized by SAS Institute in 1976. Core components include the SAS language, data integration tools, and modules for statistics, predictive analytics, and business intelligence. The company, based in Cary, North Carolina, markets products such as SAS Base and SAS Viya and serves industries including finance, healthcare, and government. SAS software is proprietary and widely used for analytics, reporting, and data governance.

Scandinavian Airlines System, commonly known as SAS, is a Nordic airline founded in 1946 by a merger of Danish, Norwegian, and Swedish carriers. It operates under the SAS brand with hubs at Copenhagen, Stockholm, and Oslo and is a member of Star Alliance. The SAS Group has undergone restructuring and fleet changes over the years but remains a major carrier in Northern Europe.

The Special Air Service is a British Army elite special forces regiment formed in 1941 by David Stirling. It conducts reconnaissance, counter-terrorism, hostage rescue, and direct action, often in small teams. Selection and training are noted for their rigor, and the unit has a high profile in both operations and popular culture.