History of The SA Group
Approaching five decades of avionics enthusiasm
It began as a leap of faith – driven by a deep passion for avionics, a strong vision, and many dreams. All factors which became the foundation of The SA Group as we know it today. Trough dedication, hard work, and strong relationships, The SA Group is now approaching five decades in the avionics industry.
In 1978, Hardy B. Truelsen founded Scandinavian Avionics (SA), after recognizing an opportunity to combine his knowledge, experience and an unwavering interest in avionics, with a close, dedicated and visionary team. The journey started in a small shed-wagon and mobile caravan, enabling the team to drive around the country, supporting customers with component maintenance, aircraft troubleshooting and avionics installations.
Today, more than 48 years later, the family-owned company is thriving and continues to support both the civil and governmental aviation industry with turn-key avionics and training solutions.
Six decades,
+ 48 years
of excellent service since 1978
Performance from
14 locations
in 9 countries worldwide
Strongly represented by
+100
competent employees worldwide
Founding Father and Avionics Visionary
With the desire to create something new, expand horizons and follow a passion for aviation, Hardy B. Truelsen, a farmer’s son from central Jutland, made his way to Aalborg to join the Danish Air Force.
In the blink of an eye, seven years passed, culminating in the rank of sergeant and the qualification as an avionics technician specializing in the F-104 Starfighter. It was an exciting and formative period during which Hardy developed his technical expertise, and most importantly, his lifelong passion for avionics.
In 1974, Hardy’s journey led him to Billund, being hired to establish the avionics department at the GA company Business Jet Flight Center. When the company ceased operations in 1978, Hardy saw an opportunity that would define the next fifty years of his working life. With strong conviction, significant investment, and great optimism, he acquired the avionics activities, brought five employees from the old company and founded Scandinavian Avionics.
From a shed-wagon and six employees to a globally recognized group
The journey began in a modest shed-wagon with a mobile avionics workshop. From here, a team of six employees operated locally around Billund, and traveling across the country to support customers with troubleshooting and avionics modification projects.
In the early years, both activities and ambitions quickly outgrew the shed-wagon. Scandinavian Avionics built larger facilities and expanded rapidly – in space, capabilities, and number of employees.
As the demand for advanced avionics solutions increased, SA expanded into Norway and Sweden, establishing a strong presence across Scandinavia.
Over the following decades, the expansion continued and the pins on the world map grew further to include Malaysia, Finland, Greece, Bahrain, India and Czech Republic, showing the entrepreneurial mindset of Hardy. SA became a trusted partner of the majority of the avionics OEM’s and these partnerships continue to define our offerings to this date.
Today, The SA Group counts 12 departments in 8 countries, andwhile avionics solutions remain the origin and historic core, the group has expanded its capabilities to include a full value chain offering, including research and development, design and engineering, certification, production, installation, training, component maintenance, and interior solutions.
A lifetime of great achievements
hard work. strong determination. Next generation
With no guarantees – only determination and belief – Hardy dedicated himself fully to building Scandinavian Avionics and defining the path the group still follows today.
From a small team in a shed-wagon to more than 100 employees worldwide, The SA Group has always shared common goals and a clear vision for an exciting future. Hard work, strong collaboration and close internal and external relationships, have since the beginning and continued to be the defining characteristics of the group.
Growing from a small start-up with big dreams and high intentions, into the current worldwide group, has been quite a journey. In 2002, Michael R. Truelsen, Hardy’s son, joined the company. Starting from the ground up, he worked his way through the organization and is today the CEO of Scandinavian Avionics. Carina R. Truelsen later joined the company, contributing within marketing and commercial operations.
The SA Group till this day, proudly remains a family-owned company in both practice and spirit. Today The SA Group is passed on to the next generation, with the past as a strong backbone for the exciting future The SA Group continues to encounter.
Worldwide representation and continuous development
After nearly five decades and a remarkable journey, The SA Group continues to thrive and evolve, with focus on continuous growth based on the same values that we can trace all the way back to the shed-wagon in 1978.