SAS Sweden launches the first in a long line of new destinations within the Nordic countries, Europe and Asia.

Scandinavian Airlines Sverige is launching a major new drive in relation to route expansion. More than 10 new routes are being opened linking Stockholm with destinations in the Nordic countries, Europe and Asia. First off the mark is Munich. The inaugural flight on this route was on February 12. This will be followed during the spring by routes to Trondheim, Beijing, Vienna, Malaga, Palma de Mallorca, Glasgow, Reykjavik, Bergen and Bristol.

“We are going on the offensive,” says Susanne Dahlberg, commercial director of Scandinavian Airlines Sweden. “The opening of ten new destinations this spring is the biggest network expansion we have had for over two decades. In this way we are meeting our customers’ demand for non-stop flights from Stockholm-Arlanda to a number of new destinations. We have changed our way of working and this has opened up new possibilities for more efficient utilization of our aircraft. This new initiate also strengthens our position as the airline with the most extensive route network to and from Sweden.

February 12, Munich
The first launch, Stockholm–Munich, has already taken place. Munich’s nightlife and proximity to the Alps is attracting an increasing number of visitors. SAS Sweden, together with Lufthansa, will offer five departures daily. The SAS-operated flights will be with B737-600/MD80 aircraft.

March 5, Trondheim
SAS Sweden adds to its Scandinavian network with a new non-stop route between Stockholm and Trondheim. This creates a direct route from Stockholm to Norway’s express coastal steamer – the famous Hurtigrutten – and to the country’s center of technology and research. The route will be initially flown daily except Saturdays. The aircraft used is a Dash 8..

March 25, Beijing and Vienna
March 25 sees the opening of two new non-stop routes, one between Stockholm and Beijing and the other between Stockholm and Vienna. The Beijing flight complements the existing SAS services to the Chinese capital and strengthens Beijing’s role as SAS’ main hub in China. The route will be flown four times a week with an Airbus 340.

March 25 also sees the first flight for the new route between Stockholm and Vienna. The Austrian city is an important European metropolis and a world center for classical music. It has fantastic architectural gems from the late 19th century and an elegant café culture. SAS will operate an afternoon flight daily except Saturdays, with a Boeing 737-600.

April 28, Palma de Mallorca and March 31, Malaga
Palma de Mallorca and Malaga are popular vacation destination for leisure travelers in search of sun, sand and golf. In March/April SAS Sweden opens new routes between these destinations and Stockholm in cooperation with Spanair. SAS will fly to Malaga on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays, with a Boeing 737-800. The SAS flight to Mallorca will depart Stockholm on Saturdays.

April 13, Glasgow
The new SAS route Stockholm–Glasgow commences on April 13. The route complements the existing route between Stockholm and Edinburgh and strengthens SAS’ position in Scotland. Glasgow is one of the fastest growing regions in Europe. The city was named “The UK’s favorite city” by Condé Nast Traveller in 2006 and there is a growing interest in traveling there. Departures are planned for Mondays and Fridays; Tuesday and Fridays during July. The route is flown with a Boeing 737-600.

April 27, Reykjavik
The route between Stockholm and Reykjavik opens on April 27. The demand is mainly from tourists and weekend break travelers but also from companies with head offices in Reykjavik and Stockholm. Iceland is the home of the sagas, with fantastic nature and one of Europe’s fastest growing economies. Departures will be on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays and the route will be flown with a Boeing 737-800.

June 25, Bergen
Scandinavian Airlines Sweden opens a new route between Stockholm and Bergen on June 25. During the peak season more than 25,000 passengers fly between Stockholm and Bergen. The route will be operated five days a week until August 24.

June 29, Bristol
The new route to Bristol will initially be operated as a summer destination in the period June 29 to August 13. Bristol gives access to attractive English countryside in counties such as Devon and Cornwall, as well as the city of Bath, Stonehenge and the delights of Bed & Breakfast. The route introduces a new summer destination to the Swedes and gives easier access to the Swedish capital to people from the England’s West Country. The route will be flown twice a week.

A total of close on 300,000 passengers are expected to fly on the new routes during 2007. European flights are part of SAS Sweden “Nya Europaflyget” concept with one-way tickets from SEK 650. Intra Scandinavian trips are from SEK 595 and tickets Stockholm–Beijing are from SEK 6,500.
For further information, please contact:
Susanne Dahlberg, Commercial Director, Scandinavian Airlines Sweden,
tel +46 70 997 5074
Brief facts about Scandinavian Airlines Sverige, a subsidiary within the SAS Group:
Passengers per year: About 6 million
Aircraft: 42
Employees: 2,500
Take-offs/landings: 300 per day
Destinations: 44, from and within Sweden.
Scandinavian Airlines is now the airline that sells most low-price tickets in Sweden.