Scandinavian Direct to be launched on June 1

Scandinavian Direct to be launched on June 1 On June 1, SAS Airline will launch the Scandinavian Direct travel concept to meet the new demands from cost-conscious business travelers. SAS passengers will experience major changes throughout the travel chain, from when they book until the journey is complete. Initially, Scandinavian Direct will be introduced on routes between the Scandinavian capitals. On June 18, it will be time for the other intra- Scandinavian routes and on July 2, the concept will be introduced to domestic traffic in Sweden, Norway and Denmark. "SAS customers will have simpler and more efficient travel at a lower price, while SAS Airline will become a more efficient airline company," says Jens Wittrup Willumsen, who is in charge of Marketing and Product Management at SAS Airline. Lower business fares SAS business prices have been reduced by as much as 30 percent and are more clearly linked to their level of flexibility. Three new "daily" prices have been established. SAS is also intro-ducing Travel Pass - for ticketless travel - which will apply between the Nordic capitals. "By having lower prices and a more efficient way of traveling, we want to stimulate business travel, which stagnated in mid-2001," explains Jens W.Willumsen, who makes the assess-ment that SAS Airline will capture market share with this concept. Check in at home or work SAS is also renewing its Internet website. Booking and purchasing are being simplified and all passengers holding an electronic ticket will be able to check in and select their seats via the Web. SMS information about delays All customers can continue to send inquiries to SAS via SMS. Customers using Travel Pass or SAS's most flexible ticket receive information via SMS if the booked flight is delayed, as well as the new departure time. "This service saves the traveler's time and provides flexibility," says Jens W.Willumsen. Go straight to the gate At the airport, SAS is minimizing time-consuming "jams" and more customers are able to proceed straight to the gate. Single class on board There will be a single class on board, as the curtain between business and economy class is removed. A new service concept is being introduced in stages over the next month. An important ingredient is a substantial breakfast that will be served until 9:30 a.m. At other times, light, modern meals will be served, such as tasty wraps and hot and cold beverages. For further information, please contact: Jens W. Willumsen, SVP, Marketing and Product Management, SAS Airline, Tel: +46 (0)8-797 24 24 SAS CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS ------------------------------------------------------------ This information was brought to you by Waymaker http://www.waymaker.net The following files are available for download: http://www.waymaker.net/bitonline/2003/08/01/20030801BIT01090/wkr0001.doc http://www.waymaker.net/bitonline/2003/08/01/20030801BIT01090/wkr0002.pdf