STOCKHOLM, Sweden, Dec. 18, 2002 (PRIMEZONE) -- On March 30, 2003, Scandinavian Airlines (Other OTC:SASDF) is starting a private travelers program with low-price flights to a number of destinations in Europe. The low-price program targets private travelers who want to travel inexpensively and simply in Europe to destinations that Scandinavian Airlines normally does not serve, or serves to a small extent.
Travelers will be able to fly from Copenhagen to Alicante, Athens, Bologna, Lisbon, Malaga, Palma de Mallorca, Pristina and Sarajevo. Flights are planned from Stockholm Arlanda to Alicante, Athens, Barcelona, Bologna, Budapest, Dublin, Istanbul, Malaga, Nice, Prague and Rome. In the future, Oslo may also be included in the new concept and plans are already under way.
The program will be conducted as a business unit within Scandinavian Airlines and initially will have four aircraft for its operations. Both aircraft and crews will come from Scandinavian Airlines. The aircraft will be painted in their own colors and will have a unique identity.
"We are convinced that Scandinavian Airline's good quality reputation will provide a strong platform for the low-price program in the growing market for private travel," said Joergen Lindegaard, SAS CEO.
Prices from SEK 279
A one-way trip will cost from SEK 279 (DKK 295) (excluding tax, airport fees and handling charges) and up.
"It should be inexpensive and easy to travel. Travelers will experience a totally new concept. We offer only one-way trips, one class onboard, no advanced booking rules and tickets must be booked and paid at the same time. Travelers will pay for onboard consumption," said Eva-Karin Dahl, who is responsible for the new concept.
A unique Internet site is being developed for ticket sales for this program, but initially tickets will be available via SAS's ordinary sales channels as well as through agents. The new concept also means that transfer and transit prices will not be offered.
The trips can be booked as of December 19, 2002. The full concept will be presented in spring 2003.
For additional information, contact:
Eva-Karin Dahl, Director Business and Concept Development +46 (0)8 797 28 17, or +46 (0)709 97 28 17 SAS CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS This information was brought to you by Waymaker http://www.waymaker.net The following files are available for download: www.waymaker.net/bitonline/2002/12/18/20021218BIT00050/wkr0001.doc www.waymaker.net/bitonline/2002/12/18/20021218BIT00050/wkr0002.pdf