Scandinavian Airlines System (SAS) will launch direct flight to
China on March 26.
This is a part of SAS's new China strategy, the aim of which is
to rationalize air traffic and better serve customers' needs
through such activities as expanding accessibility to the Chinese
market.
SAS has chosen to focus on Beijing from several locations in
Scandinavia. Beijing will in the future work as the main hub and
gateway for SAS in China, with great possibilities to connect to
other Chinese and Asian destinations.
With Beijing's geographical location, the new airport terminal
that will be completed later in 2007, and SAS extended cooperation
with Air China, Beijing will be an excellent point for
transfer.
Starting from March 26, SAS will operate 10 flights a week from
Beijing to Scandinavia, including six flights to Copenhagen, and 4
flights to Stockholm.
Furthermore, from September 2007 traffic will be strengthened
with additional departures to the two Scandinavian Capitals.
"We want to open all of Scandinavia to China and our future
vision is that Beijing will become SAS's gateway to China,
regardless of whether customers fly from Stockholm, Oslo or
Copenhagen and regardless of their final destination", says Lars
Lindgren, CEO of SAS.
"Through our partnership with Air China, we can offer travelers
wishing to connect to other destinations a unique network of direct
flights throughout China In addition, this partnership means that
customers earn frequent flyer points, enjoy a smoother check-in and
the availability of connecting flights that meet their specific
needs," he said.
As part of the new strategy, SAS will discontinue non-stop
flights from Copenhagen to Shanghai's Pudong International Airport
from April 9th. However, SAS will continue operation of the
representative office in Shanghai.
(Xinhua News Agency February 7, 2007)
