STOCKHOLM, Sweden, March 19, 2003 (PRIMEZONE) -- SAS Group (Other OTC:SASDF) today announced Scandinavian Airlines is launching a new and simple price structure, with four business prices from Scandinavia to the Continent -- two day-return prices in Business Class and two in Economy Class:
Price- Service Advance purchase Approx. Rebooking Refund name level days price level option Business Business 0 100% Yes 100% Priority Class Business Business 4 95% Return 75% Saver Class only Economy Economy 0 88% Yes 100% Flex Class Economy Economy 7 95% No 75% Fixed Class of Flex
"We have listened to companies that are currently endeavoring to reduce their costs," said Anders Ehrling, Senior Vice President Network and Revenue Management. "Many also have policies requiring employees to travel in economy class. The new price structure increases the amount of choice and offers customers possibilities to make savings."
Business offering on two service levels The customer must be able to expect service in relation to price. Accordingly, business travelers selecting the new Economy Flex or Economy Fixed prices will receive a generally lower service level, such as check-in as Economy Class passengers, no lounge access and simpler service in Economy Class on board. However, they will receive 50-percent more EuroBonus points than leisure travelers.
Those business travelers who select Business Class will find a new and modern service concept on board as of March 30. The meals comprise fresh dishes of high quality, adapted for today's business traveler. Business Class travelers are also offered a 24-hour phone service, advance seat booking, priority check-in at the airport or continuously enhanced self- service, access to SAS Business Lounges, the possibility to take 30 kg of baggage, better comfort on board and double EuroBonus points compared with leisure passengers.
Web check-in extended
All passengers in Scandinavia can now check in via www.scandinavian.net for travel within Scandinavia. Effective March 30, this can also be done for the initial leg of a journey to the Continent.
Ticketless travel using e-ticket or Travel Pass Corporate now functions for more than 75 percent of SAS destinations throughout Europe. Successive roll-out is under way for remaining destinations.
More direct routes
As part of the summer traffic program, which applies from March 30, new direct routes will start from Stockholm to Vilnius and Warszawa. In addition, much-requested late-evening departures from Stockholm to Amsterdam and Brussels, as well as return morning departures, will be introduced.
New direct routes will also start from Oslo to New York, Dublin, Praha and Manchester.
Business travelers want a large route network and many departures to choose from. Scandinavian Airlines completes more than 2,000 flights each week between Scandinavia and the rest of Europe, with especially frequent departures to hub airports.
For further information, please contact: Anders Ehrling, Senior Vice President Network & Revenue Management +46 (0) 70 997 1937
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